VACCINATIONS & PROPHYLAXIS

1. Tetanus booster every 10 years
2. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A vaccines: 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccines at 1,2 and 6 months, and 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine 6 months apart, are currently recommended. After the 2nd dose of Hepatitis B vaccine and 1 month after the first dose of Hepatitis A, the immunity rate is about 70-75%.
3. Typhoid vaccine can be taken 4 weeks before departure: the oral vaccine with 1 pill taken every 2 days for a total of 4 is preferable and confers a 5 years protection. Unfortunately the vaccine is hard to find.
4. Malaria prophylaxis: 250mg of Mefloquine (Lariam) 1 week before departure, once a week while in Vietnam, and for 4 weeks after returning or Doxycycline 100mg daily, when visiting highland areas.

DRESS CODE

Unless storms or typhoons, the temperature in North Vietnam in November is around 85F during the day and at night about 60F. A light jacket is recommended for the evening and warmer clothing for mountain areas. While working all mission participants are to wear hospital scrub uniforms with a white coat. You will be provided with name tags identifying your specialty or function. 

Two sets of scrubs are recommended, and laundry services at the local hotel is quite inexpensive with a 1-day turnover. 

While sightseeing, casual wear with long slacks protect against insect bites. Please bring along 1 cocktail outfit for women and long sleeve shirt with tie for men, for the welcoming party in Hanoi and a less dressy outfit for the final reception in Lang Son province. 

Remember workout clothing to use at the gym of the Daewoo hotel, and swimwear to enjoy the swimming pool there. 

In public places, modest attire at all time is required. Tank top or halter top, mini skirts and shorts are not acceptable. 

Please be mindful of local customs. Our purpose is humanitarian services, and we can best achieve our goals if team members appearance and demeanor inspire respects.

FOOD AND DRINK

All your meals are included when with the group: Breakfast at the hotels in Hanoi, with other meals at choice restaurants, Breakfast and Dinner at Lang Son hotels, and light lunch at work. Ample bottle water will be available to the group. Boiled, bottled water and peeled fruits are generally safe. Food in the province consist of simple fare and may not present the standards of Hanoi.

LUGGAGE

Please attempt to limit yourself to 1 carry-on bag with personal items, so that your checked-in luggage (2 pieces up to 72 lbs each) can be used to bring equipment, supplies, medicines or gifts to patients for our humanitarian mission. 

On return you will have plenty of space to accommodate purchases from Vietnam. Handicraft items are especially attractive, and can make good memorable Christmas gifts for family and friends. On Saturday 11/13/2004, a bus will be available for local shopping.

Recommended items to bring along:

• All your needed medical tools/operating instruments along with needed supplies for your own professional use.
• Insect repellent, Hand sanitizer, pocket packs of facial tissue.
• Promotional items (pens, pencils, penlights, t-shirts, caps, anything with Walt Disney or well known US institution logo) make nice gifts to new Vietnamese friends.
• Cosmetics and perfumes with US label are prized gifts for the local healthcare personnel.
• Ample supply of stickers, coloring crayons & pencils, books, candies (M&M are preferred) will endear you to the children, and facilitate our mission work.

Thanks for being part of our medical mission team! You will experience a unique humanitarian adventure.

For trip questions and logistics please email trip@projectvietnam.net

Or contact

Quynh Kieu, MD, FAAP, Coordinator Project Vietnam
Tel:(714)641-0850 
Fax: (714)434-6158 
11100 Warner Avenue Suite 116, 
Fountain Valley, CA 92708 
email: projectvietnam@yahoo.com