Belize Travel: Required Vaccinations

If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's important to take the necessary health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Belize, there are several recommended vaccinations and health measures you should consider. Belize boasts a diverse landscape, from its lush rainforest to its mountains and barrier reef, but it also presents some health risks that travellers should be aware of.

Hepatitis A, B, and typhoid

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are all serious illnesses that can be prevented with vaccinations before travelling to Belize. Here is some detailed information about each of these diseases and their respective vaccines:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver disease that is usually spread through close, personal contact with an infected person or by consuming food or drinks contaminated by small amounts of stool from an infected person. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light-coloured bowel movements). Most people with hepatitis A feel sick for several weeks but usually recover completely without any lasting liver damage. However, in rare cases, it can lead to liver failure and death, especially in people over 50 or those with other liver diseases. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for international travellers and can be given to both children and adults.

Hepatitis B

It is recommended that you consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B before travelling to Belize. Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is spread through contact with the blood, semen, or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms of hepatitis B can include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. While most people recover from hepatitis B within a few months, it can sometimes lead to long-term liver damage or even liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants and is also given to older children and adults who are at risk of exposure to the virus.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. It is spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid fever include persistent high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, cough, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, typhoid fever can be fatal. There are two types of typhoid vaccines: an inactivated (killed) vaccine given as an injection and a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine taken orally. The inactivated vaccine is recommended for people 2 years and older, while the live vaccine is for those 6 years and older.

In summary, it is important to consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid before travelling to Belize to protect yourself from these serious illnesses. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate for your specific needs and circumstances.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is recommended for anyone travelling to Belize who has not been vaccinated against measles or has not had the disease. Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC's top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide, and travellers are at risk if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure. All international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants aged 6-11 months.

The MMR vaccine is given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. A one-time adult booster is recommended.

Chickenpox and polio

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for Belize, the CDC and WHO recommend several vaccines for travellers to the country, including the chickenpox and polio vaccines.

Chickenpox

The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for those who have not previously had the disease. Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person or through direct contact with the virus. The chickenpox vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the disease, which can cause an itchy rash, fatigue, and fever.

Polio

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a potentially deadly disease caused by the poliovirus, which spreads from person to person. It can infect the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. While there is no cure for polio, it can be prevented with vaccination. The CDC recommends that children receive four doses of the polio vaccine, with the first dose typically administered during infancy. The polio vaccine is considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries and is required if arriving in Belize from a region with active polio transmission.

Zika, dengue, and chikungunya

Zika

Zika is a viral disease characterised by fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. While most patients are asymptomatic, the virus has been linked to an increased risk of congenital birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The risk of congenital birth defects if infected with Zika during pregnancy is approximately 30 times higher than the background risk of a normal pregnancy. As there is no vaccine for Zika, prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Dengue

Dengue is an exanthematic febrile disease that is responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It can lead to dengue fever, with symptoms including high fever, rash, headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can progress to severe dengue, characterised by additional symptoms such as bleeding, organ compromise, and shock. Severe dengue can be fatal and requires hospitalisation for careful intravenous fluid replacement. There is currently no vaccine for dengue fever, so prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease characterised by sudden fever, skin rash, and joint pain, followed by persistent rheumatic symptoms. The joint pain can range from mild to debilitating and may last from a few days to several years. While there is no cure for chikungunya, supportive treatment can be provided, and pain relief may be given once dengue has been excluded. Unlike dengue, infection with chikungunya typically results in lifelong immunity.

Malaria and yellow fever

Belize was certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2023. This certification was granted after the country showed rigorous, credible evidence that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes had been interrupted nationwide for the past three consecutive years. This achievement was the result of over 70 years of efforts by Belize to eliminate the disease, including strong surveillance, access to diagnosis, effective vector control methods, and the work of trained community health workers.

However, it is important to note that other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and Zika, are still present in Belize. To protect yourself from these illnesses, it is recommended to take measures to avoid mosquito bites. This includes wearing clothing that covers your whole body, sleeping under bed nets, and using reliable insect repellent.

Regarding yellow fever, there is no mention of this disease being present in Belize, and no yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into the country.

Frequently asked questions