Hi,

We're leaving for Belize in 2 weeks and wondering if we should take or are there any vaccination requirement for Belize & Guatemala? We'll be in San Ignacio, 1 day trip to Tikal and Ambergris Cayes.

Try cdc.gov for specifics. The anti-malaria drug should be taken for the duration of the trip, as well as before and after. You may want to call your dr. 1st thing in the a.m., if you're leaving in 2 weeks.

Nothing is required, unless you're coming from a Yellow Fever endemic area such as parts of Africa and South America. Being up to date on tet, Hep A and other basics is always a good idea.

The CDC will give you a conservative perspective on malaria. It is not really something to be concerned about on Ambergris Caye, not much in Cayo since in most areas there you'll find few mosquitoes, possibly in the Peten. Malaria is present though it is extremely rare for a visitor to get it, but chloroquine is a time-tested antimalarial, and it comes down to a judgment call.

--Lan Sluder

When I went to Belize I had a Hep A vaccination and took anti-malaria pills. Since then I have been told that neither is really needed in Ambergris Caye. We stayed in the jungle for a couple days so I thought it better safe than sorry.

Thank you! Just to be safe, I just made an appt to get Hep A and Tetanus booster.