Ran across a discussion on cruisecritic.com - on the Holland America board regarding yellow fever and others are required even thru' the Panama Canal.

In 2007, we're going to Africa and Med. Europe and I know some shots are required. I was surprized today when I read about areas in the Carib. that are 'buggy' enough to require shots before cruising.

I have never heard of a cruise or tour requiring immunizations - recommending, but requiring? That sounds a little off.

I always check CDC website or Department of State/Travel for updates on recommended immunizations for travel to specific region.

We've been on cruises in the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, in the baltics, in the Med, and to North Africa, and we've never needed immunizations.

I've cruised in the Mediterranean, the Mexican Riviera and many times in the Carribbean, and I never got immunizations for any of those trips. My trip to Brazil was different. Although it wasn't required, the cruise line recommended a yellow fever shot and malaria pills for my cruise on the Amazon. I think if the cruise line recommends it, I would do it. Call the cruise line and ask, and of course, ask your doctor as well.

I know we have all been on cruises to here and there and never needed shots.

On the board mentioned above, it looks like things are changing. In one case, it is mentioned that proof of an immunization is required before boarding. People are getting letters in advance telling them which shots to get.

The 'recommended' shots and the 'required' shots might become the same in some cases.

Yes, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory by Holland America for full passage Panama cruises.

For my holiday cruise, which took in various European ports plus Dakar, Senegal, Cunard advised speaking with my physician about vaccinations. My HMO travel advisory board recommended four vaccinations, all because of Dakar:menengitis, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever, and tetanus. With regards to Yellow Fever, the HMO explained that sometimes, in the event of an outbreak in some region, cruise passengers may not be allowed to disembark without proof of vaccination. I recieved some sort of internationally accepted certificate documenting my vaccination (a yellow card)which I was told I may need to show.

On a side note, I found it somewhat amusing that my parents, who now live in Europe, were charged 300 USD each for the same set of shots by their national health service whereas I paid zero dollars in the States.

I am going on a cruise in April that visits several stops in Brazil. The travel agent told me I needed a yellow fever shot, I confirmed it with the cruise line and on the Dept of State website. So, I'm getting the shot!

In '07, I'm going to Dakar & the Gambia and will definitely get all the shots you mentioned ! But where did you get them for no charge ? We have to pay the Dr. or Health Dept. here in West Palm Beach, Fl.

A friend from Cruisecritics.com that I'm conversing with had to get the yellow fever shot before getting the VISA for Brazil. So get the visa, too.

Those are pretty exotic cruises but even the canal cruises, etc. will start requiring shots for here & there.

Maryann,

I belong to Kaiser Permanente HMO here in CA. I had to call the Travel Advisory Board, not "attached" at my local medical facility. Based on my trip itineray they made the recommendations. They faxed over their recommendations to my local medical facility, I walked in and got the shots. Didn't even have to make the co-payment. I passed on my HMO's recommendations to my parents in Europe and they decided to follow the same advice. It just cost them dearly. When my mother asked the physicians in her country how young back-packers could afford $300 for immunizations, they told her people didn't usually don't bother with immunizations. Not such a comforting thought with bird flu on the horizon.

I've read various posts on this subject on different websites and I'm struck by how many posters encourage people to forget about immunizations because they, themselves, have never gotten sick. Personally, I'll follow the medical advice of my doctors, the WHO, and State Dept. If they recommend it, I'll get it. Better to be safe than sorry in my opinion.

I don`t see how a cruise line can require anything. Wouldn`t that be practicing medicine without a license? Could it be a requirement from the government of Panama? I, too sailed through the Panama canal, and did nothing special.

A cruiseline doesn't care what you have. They are following the rules of the countries to which they go. Just as the requirement for passports, so to the requirement for various shots.

Not a bad idea- people have come down with alot of things around the world. Even tho' cruisers are only in places for a day - that's long enough to get something !!

There are restrictions on giving blood if you have been to cretain countries.

Oops, I meant 'certain countries'. Drat, I hate to type !!!

We were on Holland America (Zaandam) in December 2005 for a partial Panama Canal transit that also included Costa Rica and were not required to have any special immunizarions at that time. Perhaps it is something new.

It's not a bad idea to get the shots whether they are 'required' or merely 'suggested' but do check with your personal physician. Some people may be more susceptible to tropical diseases than others.

Linda Coffman
Author, Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises