Immunizations
 

We will be in Costa Rica mid-January. Travel books have not mentioned any immunizations needed. My doctor is recommending Hep A, typhoid and malaria. Any opinions?

There has been a lot of debate on Fodors regarding this issue. We've never felt the need--outbreaks tend to be rare and in very isolated areas. I would stop short of advising someone "not to worry about it", but we certainly don't!

I vote for Hep A as it is helpful for protection in the US also.

I don't have experience specific to CR but when we've visited other CA countries we've chosen to follow the Center for Disease Control's advice:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

In my opinion every one, travelers or not, should have the Hep A plus a booster of Diptheria/Tetanus if it's been a long time (which is typical for mot adults). Additionally, malaria can be a life-long plague, not to be taken lightly, and the medication to help prevent it, chloroquine, has a very low rate of side effects; in many trips we've never had problems. Be sure to prevent bites as much as possible, too - long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk, good repellent, etc.

Have a great trip!

I would get Hep A for anywhere including travel in the US. Why not save youself a potential problem.

I would do a keyword search on the topic, it's been gone over many times. Personally, I haven't got anything for my 3 trips there.

I do agree that the Hep A is good to have--anywhere. As teachers, we already have that. Dengue is more of a problem (and likelihood) than either typhoid or malaria. And the CDC HAS to take a very conservative stance. Even a report coming from a remote area causes a warning to go out for the entire country. As Tully said (hi, Tully!), do a search. There are lots of opinions, and when the opinions are varied, then one's own comfort zone is what matters ultimately.

Typhoid is extremely rare. Hep A a good idea even in the states. After 14 years of travel to CR I have finally gotten my 2 part Hep A shots done-mostly because I am traveling to other CA countries a lot more. Malaria can be a small risk. You and your doctor are the ones to decide on that. We have chosen not to in CR but are returning to Guatemala and considering it for there. As was mentioned D/T is a must no matter where you are. I keep track of my ten years faithfully.

Actually typhoid is not uncommon here, but I have never taken the "immunization(s)", as they are only about 60% effectve and most here know the symptoms and RX.
Virtually everyone thinks it's foolish to not have Hep A (and, in some cases, Hep B) immunization(s).
I have been in some really nasty places and never took Malaria Prophy - use Ultrathon (DEET)!
M (MD, etc.)

If you have yet to get your Hep. B shots, you can get Hep. A and Hep. B in one shot. Might as well get both at once. It is a series of threee shots so the sooner you start the better.

I'm having the same dilemma about taking Malaria pills...we are leaving on the 20th of Jan so we better decide soon!

I was just about to forego the pills until I read that Malaria is a higher risk in the jungles near the nicaragua border...since we are going on the Cano Negro tour which is near the nicaragua border, I'm starting to reconsider...

I read in a 1995 Frommer's book (lent to me), that malaria carrying mosquitos only come out at dusk (whereas Dengue carrying mosquitos are out all day). Is this for real? because then I won't bother because the Cano Negro tour is mainly in the morning and mid-day.