Vaccinations

[madeleine_m]

We are unsure if we should be getting any vaccinations for our cruise to the Panama Canal. The ports are Cabos San Lucas, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Cartagena, and Puntarenas.

[Nebr.cruiser]

First of all, I'd call your own doctor and get advice. It might make a difference if you have any health or immune problems. I really don't want to give medical advice because I'm not qualified.

However, I will tell you that we have been to those areas and personally I wouldn't worry about vaccinations in these ports unless you are going into deep jungle or doing something else that is out of the ordinary. We've never had vaccinations for Carribean/Mexico/Panama/Cental Amerca cruising or travel, though we got the whole rigamarole when we went to Kenya.

[Appygirl]

I took a Panama Canal cruise with similar stops as yours. In Canada we have a vaccination called Twinrix which is a combo Hep A & B. After speaking with our doctor we decided to take the shot, or I should say plural, because we had to take a booster after one month and a booster at 6 months, and then we're good for 10 years. Guess I better plan another Panama Canal cruise before our time runs out! Its voluntary. Not everyone will make a decision to get shots. We also took a 9 week dose of quinine as a malaria precaution. Talk with your doctor and that should help you make a decision.

[Bozo Bear]

Hi Madeline

We are doing similar stops in Nov 2010 - having discussion with doctor next week re possibility of needing shots??? We have booked a tour to the Embera Indian Village whilst in Panama and feel we need professional advice - don't want to miss this tour or cruise!!!!.

Bob

[Bozo Bear]

We are unsure if we should be getting any vaccinations for our cruise to the Panama Canal. The ports are Cabos San Lucas, Puerto Quetzal, Acapulco, Cartagena, and Puntarenas.

Hi Madeleine

Discussed vaccinations with medical people - having Hep A / B; update on tetanus and typhoid.

Discussed YF shot but checked with Princess - email from Princess says this is NOT mandatory for OUR cruise. See below:
Princess very helpful - you can check YOUR cruise with them.


I write further to your email.

I can confirm the yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for cruise 2037.

Unfortunately our Princess ships do not carry the rabies vaccination. This is due to the fact there are a vast amount of shoreside medical centres who hold the vaccination should you require this at some point during the cruise.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards.

Sam Cox
Medical Processor
Fleet Medical Department


Hope this helps - enjoy your cruise - we are certainly looking forward to ours - not long to go now! Bob