I am planning a trip to CR in the next few weeks and was just told that I should get vaccines for Hep A, Malaria and Typhoid. Are these really needed? We are planning on going to Manual Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde and the Selva Verde Lodge.

We've never had vaccinations in several visits to CR--never felt a need for it. Personally, I don't believe there is a need. The vast majority of people do not take these precautions. If you would feel better, why not?

I agree completely with shillmac. Probably no vaccines necessary, but it might be worth talking to your doctor or a travel medicine specialist if you're particularly worried.

Otherwise, there are some web sites that might help you out (or might cause unnecessary worries). I recommend:
* WHO: www.who.int
* MDTravelHealth: http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/

If you travel a lot in latin America, the Hep A is worthwhile, IMHO -- but probably not for just one week trip. Don't think there's a vaccine for malaria -- but there are prevantatives that you take.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

After several trips to Mexico and Central America, we did get Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine. The Hep A is a series of two injections, six months apart, and good for life. Typhoid was a series of pills over a about a week which will protect for five years.

Since we were heading into more of a jungle environment our last trip to Belize, we did take malaria prophylaxis for that trip. I don't know if it was really necessary. We have never seen much in the way of mosquitos while in Costa Rica. Good mosquito repellant is probably as good as anything. You should use it anyway, since there is no vaccine/preventative for dengue fever, which is also mosquito borne.

Jean

My Dr. and kids' pediatrician recommended Hep A for everyone. It's supposed to help with the Hep passed thru food. He said that even if you eat at your corner restaurant he would recommend it.

For those of you who had the Malaria and Typhoid -- did you have any side effects?

Thanks

The typhoid vaccines is pretty well tolerated. The one that was used 10-15 years ago made almost everyone who got feel like they had the flu for several days.

I'm not sure which of the anti-malarials are recommended for Costa Rica, it was Chloroquine for Belize, and neither of us experienced any side effects. A friend recently went to Equador and had to take Mefloquine, it caused her entire family terrible insomnia.

If you decide to get vaccines, don't wait until the last minute. You really shouldn't take oral typhoid and oral anti-malarials at the same time.

Jean

You should also make sure that your tetanus shots are up to date - it is easy enough to get a cut from sharp rocks and such when you are walking on the beach. It is also useful in case of animal bites - our daughter was bitten by an inguana during our first trip to CR ;-)