magnumholmes

It seems to be a little scary to go to Belize with all of the diseases listed one can get.

So, my question is simple:

What are the absolutley necessary vaccinations one should get before going?

I don't have a fear of needles, but I don't like them. I don't take shots if I can avoid them.

Thanks for any response.

Katie_Valk

The cdc list is scary, but reality is water, food and people here are clean, safe and healthy for the most part. I would get the basics you probably have, or should have, anyway.

JeanH

I think everyone should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A, and since adults can get a combo shot, Hep B as well. Several US states require Hep A and B for entrance to school.

Also, make sure your tetanus is up to date, get the newer TDAP vaccine that will also protect you from pertussis (whooping cough).

Typhoid vaccine can be taken as tablets, last longer than the injectable as well.

Malaria prophylaxis really isn't a vaccine, just pills you take to hopefully prevent being infected.

I'm not saying you need all of these, but you should talk to a travel clinic, probably not your GP, unless he/she knows something about tropical medicine.

I would guess most people don't get vaccinated, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't. Bottom line, talk to an MD.

magnumholmes

Great idea. We have been vaccinated for Hep B because of where we work. The others, no way we have been vaccinated because school so very, very long ago for both of us.

Thanks for the help. Anything else?

qwovadis

www.mdtravelhealth.com Belize

Correct info from CDC/Travel MD

Usual childhood jabs and Hep A

would be the minimum...

magnumholmes

What would you do? Or better yet, what did you do before going to Belize? Meaning, what kinds of shots, precautions did you take?

Thanks

And did you encounter any problems?

Momliz

we had hep A and B, and typhoid from previous trips to the 3rd world. Also, up to date on routine jabs, and, as an adult I wasn't when we went to the Dr. Did not bother with malaria prevention and don't regret - had almost no skeeter problems, and saved $. YMMV.

used bug spray all the time inland - Deep Woods off, and whatever else was handy when we left ours in the room. On the cayes bugs less of a problem due to the always present strong breeze. Sand fleas a minor problem there - I was bitten, but it only itched a few days. Usual bu sprays less helpful - folks say Avon Skin So Soft really works for sand fleas, but I forgot to get some.

Bottom line - we were there for only two weeks and were having so much fun, bugs were hardly noticeable.

Sun burn now, that WAS a problem. I forgot to put some on once and regretted it. You are closer to the equator, and especially on the water, where the sun is reflected, it can get you.

Momliz

just to see, I searched on the CDC site for recommended shots for the US - routine shots and hep B are the ones...

MrShort1

We have TwinRex(Hep A and B), take pills for Malaria, I think we have Denga Fever shots and traveller diarrhea which is taken in a liquid form. This year the flu vacccine or Tamiflu would be important. Last year it seemed like a lot of travellers were coughing and sick, so make sure you are in good health and not worn out before you go.

JeanH

No vaccine or other preventative for dengue fever, other than not getting bitten by mosquitos.

I'd second the recommendation for seasonal flu vaccine, if you're traveling after it's available. I'm not sure what's going to be going on with H1N1 vaccine. That remains to be seen.

sindy1232

I have a very weakened auto immune system due and liver problems due to medications have taken for years and so I was very worried.

I could not take the Malaria meds but one of my sons did. He got quick sick BEFORE we left and the doc said it was due to the meds!

I told the the doc too late to finish up my Hep shots so did not have that either. I did have my annual flu vaccine.

I just made sure that I was covered in Sawyers Controlled Release bug repellent when ever I went outside and only drank bottled water (no ice cubes in restaurants either) and I was just fine.

My oldest son forgot to put on Sawyers one night at Caves Branch Lodge and his legs from the knees down, where they were dangling off the bar stool, were covered with bug bites. That was the worst problem of that sort we encountered. There were a couple of people at Caves Branch that came down with Denga Fever but they were fine in a couple of days.

On AC we did not have any bites at all. The only thing that happened was I cracked a rib while holding a nurse shark.

The CDC scared the crap out of me with all of the precautions but we were all just fine.