Shots for cruise???

[Jakk]

Sounds stupid, but do you need any sort of immunization before traveling to the Mexican Riviera? Can't get a definite yes or no from the Doctor. My daughter has IBS so, I'm trying to plan ahead as much as possible to make this trip fun. I don't want her ill if I can help it. I've heard you need some type of shots so you won't get certain illnesses. Thanks for the help.:o

[househunter]

We travel to Mexico on land vacations every year- leaving for Cabo in 3 days!:) We have never had any shots before we left not has my Dr who knows we travel out of the country ever suggested them.

[Roadpossum]

Things have vastly improved in Mexico in the last 20 years, so the risk of becoming ill while visiting is really minimal. Most restaurants and hotels serve only purified or desalinated water nowadays. I Usually drink bottled water, soft drinks, beer or wine just to be on the safe side. The risk is what you make it. Personally, I love to eat in the food stalls and taco stands and I have only had one minor problem in the last 20 years of traveling to Mexico. To me, it's like eating at one of the food carts in NYC, it's part of the overall travel experience. Just pick the busy stands where the locals are eating and look to see that the person preparing and handling the food isn't the one that handles the money and dirty dishes. Use common sense and make sure you wash your hands good before dining.

 

And unless you are working or treking extensively in the jungle areas of the country, there's little chance you will have any exposure to the exotic diseases like malaria or typhoid. But if you are really concerened about it, check the CDC website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMexico.aspx#vaccines

 

However, I don't think you will encounter any health problems with a visit to any of the cities on the Mexican Riviera. You'll probably have a higher risk of picking up a shipborne illness, such as norovirus, than picking up something onshore if you use common sense when dining. I'd also suggest packing some immodium and/or Pepto Bismal just to be sure. Have a great trip.

[Jakk]

Wow! that sure makes me feel much better. I appreciate your advice based on decades of experience. I will listen to you much more than friends who have only visited a couple of times. Thanks. Once again great advice from this site.:) :) :)