Belize Travel Vaccines: What You Need

If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's important to be aware of the recommended and required vaccinations to ensure a safe and healthy journey. While there are no mandatory vaccinations specifically required for entry into Belize, it is highly recommended that travellers stay up to date with their routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, it is advised to consult with a healthcare provider to determine your specific needs based on factors such as your health status, itinerary, and activities.

Some of the commonly recommended vaccinations for Belize include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), and Chikungunya. It is also important to be aware of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Dengue, and Malaria, and take appropriate precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Please consult official travel advisories and healthcare professionals for the most up-to-date and personalised information regarding vaccinations and health precautions for your trip to Belize.

Hepatitis A

Most adults infected with hepatitis A experience symptoms, while most children under the age of six do not. However, people infected with hepatitis A can transmit the disease to others even if they do not exhibit any symptoms themselves. Although most people who contract hepatitis A recover completely without lasting liver damage, the disease can cause liver failure and death in rare cases, particularly in individuals over 50 and those with other liver diseases.

The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all children between 12 months and 18 years of age living in the United States. It is also recommended for individuals considered to have an increased risk of infection, including those travelling to countries with moderate or high rates of hepatitis A, such as Belize. The vaccine is typically given in two doses, with the second dose administered at least six months after the first.

In addition to vaccination, good personal hygiene and proper sanitation practices can help prevent the spread of hepatitis A. This includes practising good hand hygiene, particularly after using the restroom and before handling food.

Rabies

The rabies vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially those:

• Staying with friends or relatives
• Visiting smaller cities or rural areas
• Staying in Belize long-term
• Coming into contact with animals

• Will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals
• Might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive a pre-exposure vaccination before travelling to Belize. If a rabies exposure occurs while in Belize, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

The MMR vaccine is recommended for all international travellers, including those travelling to Belize. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, including seizures, ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia, and even death. Mumps is a viral infection that can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and swelling of the salivary glands. Rubella, or German measles, is typically a mild illness but can have severe consequences for pregnant women, including miscarriage and serious birth defects.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, providing comprehensive protection against all three viruses. In the United States, two MMR vaccines are available: M-M-R II and PRIORIX. Children may also receive the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox). However, this vaccine is only licensed for children between 12 months and 12 years of age.

The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose should be administered between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age. Infants travelling internationally between 6 and 11 months of age should receive one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel and two additional doses at the recommended ages for long-lasting protection. Older children, adolescents, and adults who are not already immune should also receive one or two doses of the MMR vaccine.

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and ensure all recommended vaccines are up to date before travelling to Belize.

Chikungunya

The most common symptoms of chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Severe joint pain usually lasts a few days but can persist for months or even years. Serious complications are uncommon, but atypical severe cases can cause long-term symptoms and even death, especially in older people and children under one year old.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral drug treatment for chikungunya. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. The clinical management includes addressing fever and joint pain with antipyretics and optimal analgesics, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting rest. Paracetamol or acetaminophen are recommended for pain relief and reducing fever.

The best way to prevent chikungunya is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. The CDC recommends vaccination for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Belize.

Malaria

If you develop a fever while travelling in a malaria-risk area or within one year of returning home, seek immediate medical attention and inform the doctor about your travel history.

To reduce your risk of mosquito bites, which is how malaria is transmitted:

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use insect repellent containing 20% or more DEET for protection against ticks and mosquitoes.
• Use products with picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD) for protection against 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.

Frequently asked questions