How to Get Immunizations Needed Before Traveling to Guatemala

Guatemala is characterized by tropical rainforest and Mayan cities. Crime against foreigners and health-related risks are both present in this developing country. There is limited medical care outside the cities and medical supply shortages is a problem. To protect yourself from illness or disease, you should get recommended immunizations before traveling to Guatemala.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site to obtain the most current list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccination is needed. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for all travelers, except infants and pregnant women. A rabies vaccination may be necessary for extended trips or when there is a risk of exposure.
2. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine immunizations. Get the Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) booster, unless pregnant, if you never received a second vaccination. Tetanus should be updated every 10 years. Individuals who risk exposure to Hepatitis B, as well as children who did not receive the series as infants, should receive this additional vaccination.
3. Find out the current yellow fever vaccination requirements and malaria situation for Guatemala at the World Health Organization Web site. Yellow fever and malaria are both transmitted by mosquito bites. Yellow fever is currently not a health risk in Guatemala. Malaria exists in some areas, and anti-malaria medication is recommended when traveling to infected areas.
4. Call your doctor at least two months in advance of your trip to make an appointment to receive the Hepatitis A and other routine immunizations at least four weeks before departure.
5. Visit your doctor to get the scheduled immunizations. An oral typhoid vaccine is available for travelers who are at least six years old, and an injection is approved for those over age two. When traveling to a malaria-risk area, get an anti-malaria drug and start taking it before your trip as directed.

Who Can Help:

• Find immunization information and health alerts for Guatemala at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site.
• Current yellow fever and malaria information by country is available at the World Health Organization Web site.
• Get health information for travel to Guatemala at Mdtravelhealth.

Tips & Warnings

• When traveling to malaria-risk areas, pack long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat to protect yourself against insect bites. Also bring mosquito repellent containing DEET, and in some cases, insecticide-treated mosquito netting is a good precautionary measure
• Continue taking anti-malarial medication for four weeks after your return or as prescribed by your doctor.
• All of the mentioned immunizations have possible side effects which include soreness, and redness at the site of the injection. You may also experience headache, nausea and abdominal pain.
• Travelers at least one year old, arriving from areas infected with yellow fever, must provide an "International Certificate of Vaccination" as proof of the immunization. Ask your doctor for this document when receiving a yellow fever vaccination.
• If you become ill with flu-like symptoms while traveling or for up to a year after your return, seek medical attention immediately to rule out malaria.
• Eat food that is well cooked and drink only bottled water to prevent typhoid. Avoid dairy products that aren't pasteurized and beverages that contain ice.