Vaccinations and Malaria

Vaccinations

COVID-19 

Vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory. Exceptions for non-vaccinated are made, but this needs to be applied for at the Suriname Ministry of foreign affairs. 

Since the covid-19 measures and requirements are subject to constant change, we advise you to contact us for the latest requirements.

Vaccinations that are recommended:

Regardless of the length of stay, the following vaccinations are recommended for Suriname: 

vaccination against DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio), vaccination against hepatitis A (infectious jaundice) and a yellow fever vaccination. Vaccination against yellow fever is only mandatory for Suriname if you have been to a yellow fever country in the seven days before you enter Suriname.

Special attention

Vaccination against hepatitis B for a stay of 3 months or more or on the advice of the vaccination agency.

Limited risk of rabies or rabies.

There is a risk of the worm infection Bilharzia (schistosomiasis), but the chance is very small of being infected in the places that tourists/travelers visit.

Good protection against mosquito bites is important not only because the mosquito bites are unpleasant, but also in connection with diseases such as dengue (dengue fever), chikungunya or zika.

Malaria 

Suriname is already well on its way to becoming a malaria-free country. The malaria campaigns have contributed significantly to this in recent years. The Bureau of Public Health (BOG), which also keeps track of the statistics, published in October 2021 that only 21 cases of malaria had been recorded for that year in the whole of Suriname.

To be sure, you will need a malaria prophylaxis course when visiting the interior. Consult your doctor well before you leave for the country.

For more information about malaria in Suriname you can call the BOG doctor on telephone number: +597 178 or (Mr. Pancho 5978580258).

Below are some publications in local newspapers about the status of malaria in Suriname.

https://www.srherald.com/suriname/2021/10/08/21-gevallen-van-malaria-genoteerd-in-2021/

http://health.gov.sr/actueel/2019/de-laatste-horden-op-weg-naar-een-malaria-vrij-suriname/

Water

Tap water from the SWM water network is “well-water” without much treatment. In theory it should be fit for human consumption. However, there is a threat that contamination will occur, mostly during the distribution of the water. Foreign visitors often don’t take the chance to drink the water and use bottled water.

In rural areas it is certainly advisable to boil the water before drinking.