Vaccination Requirements For Entry Into Belize: A Traveler's Guide

Belize is a country in Central America, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala. The country has a range of tropical climates influenced by the sea and mountain ranges. There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Belize, but there are several recommended vaccinations and precautions to consider.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belize: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). It is also advised to be cautious of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika, dengue fever, and malaria.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic for personalized advice and to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Belize.

Routine vaccinations (DTP, MMR)

The CDC recommends that all travellers to Belize are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) and MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).

DTP

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause throat and skin infections. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscle spasms. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

The CDC recommends that adults receive a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) booster every 10 years. If you have a wound, it is important to ensure your Tetanus vaccination is up to date.

MMR

Measles, mumps and rubella are all highly contagious viral infections. The CDC recommends that all international travellers are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.

Other Routine Vaccinations

In addition to DTP and MMR, the CDC also recommends the following routine vaccinations for travel to Belize:

• Polio
• Influenza
• COVID-19

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children between 12 months and 18 years of age. It is also recommended for those considered at increased risk of infection, including:

• People travelling to countries with moderate or high rates of hepatitis A, such as Belize.
• Those in close contact with a child adopted from a country with moderate or high rates of hepatitis A.
• Pregnant women who might be at increased risk.
• Unvaccinated people 1 year of age and older who are at risk during outbreaks.

The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given as a series of two shots, with the second shot administered at least 6 months after the first. It is recommended to get the vaccine at least 4 weeks before travelling to Belize, but it is still effective if administered 2 weeks before the trip.

The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and does not cause serious side effects. Possible side effects include soreness, redness, or tenderness at the injection site, fever, headache, tiredness, or loss of appetite.

In addition to the hepatitis A vaccine, there are other recommended vaccinations for travellers to Belize, including typhoid, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine which vaccinations are needed based on individual circumstances.

Hepatitis B

In addition to vaccination, travellers can reduce their risk of contracting Hepatitis B by practising safe sex, using sterile drug equipment, and ensuring that any tattoos or piercings are performed in hygienic settings that follow public health regulations.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice. For some individuals, Hepatitis B can become a chronic infection, leading to long-term health effects such as liver disease and liver cancer.

It is always important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the specific vaccinations and preventative measures needed for your travel to Belize or any other destination.

Rabies

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while in Belize, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and seek medical attention. Rabies treatment may be limited or unavailable in the country, so you may need to return to your home country for treatment.

In addition to the rabies vaccination, the CDC and WHO recommend several other vaccinations for Belize, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Yellow fever

The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to a region where the virus is present. The vaccine is an injectable immunisation that prevents yellow fever. It is recommended for many countries in Africa and South America and is required for entry to some nations. A single dose of the vaccine provides lifetime protection against the virus, but some countries require proof of vaccination within the last 10 years for entry.

Some countries require arriving travellers to show proof of yellow fever vaccination as a public health measure. It is important to check the specific requirements and recommendations for your destination country.

To prevent mosquito bites, it is recommended to use insect repellent and mosquito netting, as well as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Frequently asked questions