Malaria or other shots for the Caribbean

[Slyfox16]

If you are going to Aruba, Roatan, Samana, Belize or Curacao do you need to get malaria or other shots?

[Toyz711]

it's not require...

IF i was going for an extended visit, i would think about getting them. but for port visits of 5 to 8 hours..no.

[bean24]

Just an FYI: if you donate blood and go to Roatan you will not be able to do it for 1 year, because of the slight malaria chance.

[Tokaybean]

We never bother BUT one thing we made sure of when we starting travelling is to get the lifetime protection for Hepatitus A and B. This can be caught through contaminated food or liquids including ice cubes. Bad stuff.

[acrna]

No, for a short answer. Long answer, probably a good idea to have your routine immunizations up to date. Hepatitis A vaccine might also be considered, and Hep B if you are inclined to such a lifestyle that might require that vaccine. And perhaps Typhoid. But I would forego it for a visit off a cruise ship. Malaria is not a problem, nor yellow fever.

[ecclectic-eccentric]

I don't know about the other ports, but I know that anti-malarials are recommended for Roatan by the CDC...BUT, having said that, I would also say that for a short stop in port, as long as you wear insect repellant, you probably shouldn't worry. (I'd suggest the repellant for Roatan even more for the sand flies than for the mosquitoes, by the way, especially if you'll be going to the beach!! Take a few of the Off! towelettes with you as they're so convenient to pack and work so well.)

 

Hubby and I spend 2-3 weeks in Honduras each year, most of it in the Gracias a Dios region on the mainland, but usually with a couple of relaxation days on Roatan, as well. We took the anti-malarial pills the first year, but didn't enjoy the side effects, so haven't taken them since. We just wear a lot of repellant and sleep under a mosquito net (not something you'll need to worry about). On the other hand, when I came down with a miserable, lingering fever after our return last year, I spent an awful lot of money getting tested for malaria out of sheer paranoia. (Just the flu, thank God!)

 

I agree with a previous poster who suggested the Hepatitis vaccinations, and while you're at it, make sure your tetanus booster is up to date, etc... We absolutely love Roatan, but it's definitely part of a developing country and you just never know what circumstances you could find yourself in.

 

I hope you enjoy Roatan as much as we do!

ee

[nlvc12]

Wanted to give others a 'heads up' to check with your insurance to see if the immunizations you need are covered. I was notified that my Malaria shot wasn't covered. I'm appealing as my immune system is compromised and my Dr recommended I get it.

 

My immunologist both gave me the injection plus the pills, as I wasn't able to get the 2nd shot that was recommended.

 

I don't think immunizations were needed for the standard ports of call, but with the many new ones, likely there is a higher level of risk there.

 

Thanks, ee, for your comments on the separate thread. Yes, I missed the posting during one of the delays today.

 

nlvc

[Cosmopolitan]

If you are concerned, you can always check with your family physician.

Years ago, when I traveled out of the country, my family physician always knew where I needed shots for.

[Essiesmom]

There are shots for malaria now? News to me...Must ask when I go for Yellow Fever on Thursday...EM

[Globaliser]

I don't know about the other ports, but I know that anti-malarials are recommended for Roatan by the CDC.

The advice that I have from my travel clinic is this: cruise ship passengers will normally not need anti-malarial medication even if their ship calls at a port in a malarial area. The reason is that the mosquitoes which carry malaria are usually only active at night. But by dusk, most cruise ships have left port and are in the open ocean, where the risk of getting bitten by a malarial mosquito is therefore extremely low. Given this, you risk more damage from the anti-malarials (some of which can be downright nasty) than you risk from getting malaria.

 

But, as always, check this with your doctor or (preferably) specialist travel clinic.

[Been There, Planning That]

My advice, visit a reputable Travel Clinic.

 

Even in Canada such a visit costs, but it's well worth it for up to date advice.

 

Years ago we had Hep A and B for a week long visit to Istanbul -- well worth the cost for life long protection.