How to Get Immunizations Needed Before Traveling to St. Lucia

St. Lucia isn't the most accessible island, but it is worth the extra effort. This mountainous, lush island in the Caribbean is not a place you'll soon forget. White-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts make this island a popular honeymoon destination. There aren't health risks or tropical diseases to be concerned about.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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 is recommended for all travelers, except children under one year of age and pregnant women. It should be received at least four weeks prior to departure.

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 St. Lucia at the World Health Organization Web site. Yellow fever and malaria are both transmitted by mosquito bites and the St. Lucia does not currently have areas infected with these illnesses.

4. Call your doctor at least 2 months in advance of your trip to make an appointment to receive the Hepatitis A and other routine immunizations at least 4 weeks before departure.

5. Visit your doctor to get the scheduled immunizations.

Tips & Warnings

• 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 in St. Lucia from a country 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.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.