immunizations
 

Hi there
I'm a Canadian women going to Manuel Antonio, CR for 4 wonderful weeks in January for a TESL course; I'm planning on staying with a spanish speaking family. I've inquired to my local health unit re: immunization and wondered which needles etc have you determined as being fairly important ones.

Linda

No vaccination is need for Costa Rica.

It would be prudent to have the Flu Shot, but again this is not a requirement.

Percy

If you haven't had them, I'd get vaccinated against Hep A and Hep B. I think it's a 'combo' drug in Canada. Also make sure you tetanus is up to date.

The Hep and B combo is called Twinrex. Three shots are needed. You better get them soon.

What about shots for Argentina/Buenos Aires?

Hep A is recommended for all of Central America. Though CR has a better Hep A record than most Central American countries, the incidence is still higher than Canada and the USA.

And it's not a bad idea to have Hep A shots anyway--it does occur in Canada and the USA even though at a relatively low incidence. If you get a booster a few months later, you have lifetime immunity to Hep A.

Hep A and B are just a good idea anyway. wheather you travel or not. It is a nasty sickness that is easily avoided with a simple shot.