How to Get Immunizations Needed Before Traveling to Jamaica

Jamaica, known for all-inclusive resorts, is a popular island destination without serious health concerns. Yes, it's hot and there are insects, but the malaria risk is low in most areas. Pack plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen, drink bottled water, and you will have a pleasurable trip. Just make sure you are up to date on your routine immunizations before you go.

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 1 year of age and pregnant women. It should be received at least 4 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 Jamaica 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 Jamaica. Anti-malaria medication is recommended when staying overnight in an area with a recent malaria outbreak.

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. When traveling to a malaria-risk area, get an anti-malaria drug and start taking it as directed before your trip.

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 4 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 1 year old, arriving in Jamaica 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.
• 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.