Papua New Guinea Travel Health Guide

Routine Vaccines

Make sure all routine vaccinations are current before travel, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations before travel.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Papua New Guinea age 1 and older. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to Papua New Guinea regardless of age.

Measles

Measles vaccination (MMR) is essential for all international travelers, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months old.

Polio

Polio vaccination is critical for Papua New Guinea due to recent poliovirus identification. Adults may need a booster; unvaccinated travelers need the complete series.

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Papua New Guinea, especially if visiting rural areas or staying with friends and relatives.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for long-term travelers (1+ months) or those doing high-risk activities like rural travel, hiking, or staying in unscreened accommodations.

Rabies

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended for high-risk activities since rabies vaccines are not readily available in Papua New Guinea if exposure occurs.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for direct travel from the US, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including transit stops over 12 hours.