Shots For Antigua And Barbuda: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip to Antigua and Barbuda, it's important to take the necessary health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The CDC, WHO, and local authorities recommend staying up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), chickenpox, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP). In addition, travellers should be aware of the risk of hepatitis A and are encouraged to get vaccinated, especially if they are unvaccinated and over the age of 40, have underlying health conditions, or plan to spend time in rural areas. While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer mandatory, it is still recommended, and a certificate may be requested upon arrival.

To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, use insect repellent and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. It is also advised to get vaccinated against yellow fever if you are arriving from or have transited through a country where yellow fever occurs.

Rabies is prevalent in bats in Antigua and Barbuda, so consider getting the rabies vaccine if you plan to spend time outdoors or come in contact with animals. Lastly, be mindful of food and water safety to reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea and other illnesses.

Routine vaccinations: MMR, DTaP, chickenpox, COVID-19, etc

Routine vaccinations are an important part of staying healthy and protected against various diseases. Here is some detailed information about routine vaccinations such as MMR, DTaP, chickenpox, and COVID-19, in the context of travel to Antigua and Barbuda:

MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) Vaccine:

The MMR vaccine is crucial in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases can have severe complications, including fever, rash, and even lead to seizures, brain damage, or death in rare cases. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose typically administered at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. For international travel, including to Antigua and Barbuda, it is essential to be fully vaccinated against measles, as cases are on the rise worldwide.

DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) Vaccine:

The DTaP vaccine offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death. Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and can result in serious health issues such as difficulty opening the mouth or breathing. Pertussis can be life-threatening, especially for babies and young children, leading to pneumonia, brain damage, or death. The CDC recommends that children receive five doses of the DTaP vaccine, with the first three doses given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, the fourth dose between 15 and 18 months, and the fifth dose at 4-6 years old.

Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine:

The chickenpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing chickenpox (varicella), a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While chickenpox is usually mild, it can have serious complications during pregnancy, in infants under 12 months, adolescents, adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended and provide lifelong protection for most people. The CDC advises that children receive the first dose at 12-15 months old and the second dose at 4-6 years old.

COVID-19 Vaccine:

COVID-19 vaccines are essential for protecting against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to the virus. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months or older receive updated COVID-19 vaccines to maximize protection. The vaccines are safe and effective, and hundreds of millions of people worldwide have received them under intense safety monitoring. COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.

When planning travel to Antigua and Barbuda, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and ensure that you are up to date on all routine vaccinations, including those mentioned above.

Yellow fever vaccine: mandatory for travellers from certain countries

Yellow fever vaccine requirements for travellers to Antigua and Barbuda are dependent on the country of origin. It is mandatory for travellers aged one year and older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes those with airport layovers exceeding 12 hours in said countries.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While there is no risk of yellow fever in Antigua and Barbuda, vaccination is required for travellers coming from or who have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to determine the specific vaccinations and medications needed for your trip to Antigua and Barbuda. They can advise on the necessary precautions based on your unique circumstances, such as your health status and planned activities.

Rabies vaccine: recommended for most travellers

Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals and is often fatal. Travellers are advised to get vaccinated against rabies before visiting Antigua and Barbuda, especially if they plan to stay with friends or relatives, visit smaller cities, or spend time in rural areas.

Rabies is prevalent in bats in Antigua and Barbuda, and dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found. However, if rabies exposure occurs, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban or urban medical facilities. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether they should receive a pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include:

• Whether travellers will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals.
• Whether travellers might have difficulty accessing prompt post-exposure prophylaxis if exposed to rabies.

It is important to note that even if travellers receive a pre-exposure vaccination, they should still seek medical attention immediately if they are exposed to rabies during their trip.

In addition to the rabies vaccine, travellers should also ensure that they are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), and varicella (chickenpox).

Hepatitis A vaccine: recommended for unvaccinated travellers

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted through contaminated food, water, and close contact. The infection can range from mild illness lasting 1-2 weeks to a severely disabling disease lasting several months. The likelihood of symptoms occurring increases with the age of the infected person. Severe hepatic and extrahepatic complications, such as fulminant hepatitis and liver failure, are rare but more common in older adults and those with underlying liver disease.

The Hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective and provides long-term protection against the virus. It is recommended for unvaccinated travellers of all ages going to Antigua and Barbuda. The vaccine is given as a series of injections and is usually administered in two doses. The first dose should be administered as soon as travel is considered, and the second dose should be given 6-18 months after the initial dose.

For infants aged 6-11 months, a single dose of the Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended before travelling to Antigua and Barbuda. However, it is important to note that this dose does not count towards the routine 2-dose series.

Unvaccinated travellers over 40 years of age, those with compromised immune systems, or those with chronic medical conditions intending to travel to a high-risk area within the next 2 weeks should receive the initial dose of the vaccine. Additionally, during the same appointment, these travellers should also receive immune globulin for extra protection.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccinations and to receive up-to-date information on the recommended doses and schedules.

Health precautions: avoiding bug bites, practising food/water safety, etc

To protect yourself from bug bites, you should:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET for protection against ticks and mosquitoes.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents. Do not use permethrin directly on the skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the sleeping area is exposed to the outdoors.

To practice food and water safety:

• Drink bottled water, especially during the first few weeks of your stay.
• Avoid ice unless it is made from bottled or disinfected water.
• Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot.
• Avoid raw or undercooked food, especially meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.
• Only eat fruits or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.

Frequently asked questions