Typhoid in Belize?
 

Hi! We are traveling to Belize next month and are wondering if we need the Typhoid vaccine. We got Hep. A and updated polio and tetanus but our doctor didn't mention typhoid. If it helps, we are staying at Turtle Inn ( planning to eat there and in town ) and Blancaneaux ( planning to eat there only because we will have no car ). Thanks for your help!!

I had to go back and look through records, but it appears that we did get immunized against Typhoid when we traveled to Placencia a couple years ago. Also took Malaria prophylaxis. Was it necessary? Probably not. Was it recommended? Yes, according to the CDC.

Typhoid immunization is and never has been highly effective (50-80%, and mostly closer to 50%).
Your physician sounds like he/she has good travel judgement.
M

In our family, if it weren't for bad luck we'd have no luck so we'd probably get it! Seriously, are there side effects to worry about? My husband has to go back in 2 days for a booster so he can ask. I just wanted to get some feedback from people who have been there. Thanks for the replies!!

Donna_M,
I live in San Miguel de Allende, Gto.
Click my name and get lots of info.
Also, I'm the TA local person on the very active SMdA forum.
M (MD; NBME; ABIM; ABNM; ABR)

You are staying at 2 of the nicest hotels in the whole country, so you don't have to worry about food quality or any cleanliness issues. You will not be "roughing it" in any way!

No, its not a concern and the typhoid shot does not totally cover you. I got typhoid 15 or so yrs ago while living in the bush via a Typhoid Maria from a neighboring country. Simple antibiotics. Not a concern, especially at either at BL or TI, where I had dinner two nights ago and feel fine.

Thanks again, everyone!! I feel much better. Hopefully, the only food-borne illness I'll ever have to worry about was after my sister's undercooked chicken 12 years ago!

Note that if you do catch typhoid and are treated for it, you could still harbor the bacteria after your symptoms have been taken care of. Follow-up testing is needed to ensure that you are no longer carrying the disease.