Shots For Antigua And Barbuda: What You Need?

If you're planning a trip to Antigua and Barbuda, it's important to be aware of the recommended and required vaccinations to ensure a safe and healthy journey. The CDC, WHO, and local authorities advise travellers to be up to date with routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Additionally, it is recommended to get vaccinated for hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, COVID-19, and others. While some of these vaccines are mandatory, others are strongly suggested to protect your health and the well-being of those around you. It is also advised to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to ensure your prescriptions are legal in Antigua and Barbuda.

Routine vaccinations

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): This two-dose vaccine is highly recommended as it not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks. It is given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957, and a one-time adult booster is recommended.
• Chickenpox (Varicella): This vaccine is given to those who are unvaccinated and did not have chickenpox as children.
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) or Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): A single adult booster of pertussis is required.
• Polio: This is considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. A single adult booster is recommended due to the increase in cases globally.
• Influenza: The components of the influenza vaccine change annually, so it is important to get vaccinated before each trip.
• COVID-19: All eligible travellers are recommended to complete a COVID-19 vaccine series.
• Hepatitis A: This vaccine is highly effective in preventing Hepatitis A infection and requires two doses for long-term protection. It is recommended for most travellers.
• Hepatitis B: The Hepatitis B vaccine is given as a series of injections and effectively prevents Hepatitis B infection. It is recommended for travellers who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and you should consult with a healthcare professional to determine which routine vaccinations are appropriate for your specific needs and travel plans.

COVID-19 vaccines

As of March 2022, all tourists travelling to Antigua and Barbuda are required to be fully vaccinated. However, a pre-departure COVID-19 test is no longer needed. It is still recommended to have a COVID-19 vaccine certificate in case the authorities ask for it.

The CDC recommends that all eligible travellers should be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Other sources suggest that a COVID-19 vaccination certificate is not required to enter Antigua and Barbuda.

Yellow fever vaccination

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for travellers aged 1 year and older arriving in Antigua and Barbuda from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes airport layovers longer than 12 hours in countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

The CDC and WHO recommend that all international travellers be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This includes an early dose for infants 6–11 months.

The CDC recommends that travellers be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travellers of all ages going to Antigua and Barbuda. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count towards the routine 2-dose series.

Rabies is not common in dogs in Antigua and Barbuda, but there is a potential risk of rabies in wildlife, particularly bats. The CDC advises rabies vaccination before travel, especially for people directly involved with wildlife.

The CDC recommends that travellers to Antigua and Barbuda take measures to prevent bug bites, as many diseases spread by bugs cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine.

Rabies vaccination

Rabies is a potentially fatal disease that is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. The rabies vaccine is highly recommended for travellers to Antigua and Barbuda, especially those staying for an extended period or those who may come into contact with animals. Rabies is prevalent in bats in Antigua and Barbuda, so if you plan on hiking or engaging in other outdoor activities, it is strongly advised that you get vaccinated.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travellers will be engaging in activities that increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals and whether they might have difficulty accessing prompt post-exposure treatment. It is recommended that you consult with a healthcare provider to determine if you should receive a pre-exposure vaccination before your trip.

If you are travelling with a dog or cat, there are specific requirements that must be met. Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months before travel. A rabies titer test, administered by a licensed veterinarian, is required no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. This test is not mandatory if entering from a country recognised by the World Organisation of Animal Health as rabies-free.

In addition to the rabies vaccine, there are several other recommended or mandatory vaccines for travellers to Antigua and Barbuda. These include:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Yellow Fever
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Chickenpox

Food and water safety

• Water Safety: While tap water in Antigua and Barbuda is chlorinated and relatively safe, it may cause mild abdominal upset. It is recommended to drink bottled water, especially during the first few weeks of your stay. Also, avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater streams, canals, or lakes, as the water may be contaminated.
• Food Safety: Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. However, it is important to follow general food safety guidelines such as eating fully cooked foods, avoiding raw seafood and raw shellfish, and selecting reputable dining places. Wash fresh produce with bottled water, and ensure seafood is properly cooked.
• Prevent Travellers' Diarrhea: Practise good hand hygiene and avoid street food in unsanitary areas. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Recommended vaccinations for Antigua and Barbuda include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Hepatitis B. Hepatitis A is recommended for all unvaccinated travellers, as it can be spread through contaminated food or water. Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water, and Hepatitis B is a viral liver disease easily transmitted through blood and body fluids.
• General Precautions: Avoid ice in uncertain water sources, and consume alcohol in moderation. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially in hot temperatures, to avoid dehydration and heat stroke.

Frequently asked questions