Immunizations and the Caribbean....

[Cruisin'Lady]

Can anyone tell me what the requirements for immunizations for the Caribbean are? If any?

I have seen on the HAL site where we need to check with our doctors about possible immunizations for other countries...but my doctor said I didn't need to worry about it. He didn't check or look anywhere. I am wondering if anyone here who has been to the southern caribbean cruise have had to get any "yellow fever" immunizations or other shots?

Thanks in advance for any info.

[Druke I]

We've not had to have any special "shots" for the Caribbean, but it is certainly a good idea to make sure your tetanus is current, and Hepatitis A & B is highly recommended by some health officials..

[iflyrc5]

Yellow Fever shot is a requirement for entry into Brazil.

[Cruisin'Lady]

We've not had to have any special "shots" for the Caribbean, but it is certainly a good idea to make sure your tetanus is current, and Hepatitis A & B is highly recommended by some health officials..
Ok I just checked with the doc office and they do not have any record (it goes back 6 years) of either my hubby or myself having a tetanus shot....so we go in tomorrow for those. As for the Hepatitis A and B that is something that takes at several months to complete and we don't have that kind of time. My kids had those shots but was never required for my age group when we were kids. Hopefully no one will ask.

We will not be going to South America (Brazil) or any of those destinations. The farthest southern port we make is Barbados. I was curious about Guadeloupe if they had any restrictions?

[LovetheFall]

I'm new to cruising. My DH and I are doing the Western Caribbean in November. Do we need to bring our shot records with us?

[Typhoon1]

Influenza is also a good idea.

[skyedoggie]

A good idea is to go to the Center for Disease Control page and check out the section related to travelling. You can actually look up your itinerary and find out what vaccines are recommended for the areas you are travelling to. You'll find lots of good information there.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I'm new to cruising. My DH and I are doing the Western Caribbean in November. Do we need to bring our shot records with us?


No you do not need to take your shot records with you.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ok I just checked with the doc office and they do not have any record (it goes back 6 years) of either my hubby or myself having a tetanus shot....so we go in tomorrow for those. As for the Hepatitis A and B that is something that takes at several months to complete and we don't have that kind of time. My kids had those shots but was never required for my age group when we were kids. Hopefully no one will ask.

We will not be going to South America (Brazil) or any of those destinations. The farthest southern port we make is Barbados. I was curious about Guadeloupe if they had any restrictions?

Even though it is too late for this cruise to get the Hep A and B shots, if I were you, I would start getting them as soon as possible so that you will have them for future cruises.

[iflyrc5]

Our doctor recommended the Hep A and B even for the Caribbean because the cleanliness rules in the medicial facilities in some countries are not all that great. He said that it is even beening recommended in the USA now and some school systems here in Indiana are requiring it. As I recall the Hep A was a 2 shot deal and Hep B was 3. We are done with our Hep A and have had 2 of the 3 Hep B. Will be getting the third in Jan 09. They were not cheap but our health insurance covered most of it. The Yellow Fever shot for Brazil was the most at $135 but you only need one and it is good for life.

[medfordgirl]

We've not had to have any special "shots" for the Caribbean, but it is certainly a good idea to make sure your tetanus is current, and Hepatitis A & B is highly recommended by some health officials..

do you think the doctor on board the ship has a supply of tetanus...just in case? we will probably get the hepatitis shots next year. We meant to get them this year but time just flew by and now it is too late.

[EugeneD]

Ok I just checked with the doc office and they do not have any record (it goes back 6 years) of either my hubby or myself having a tetanus shot....so we go in tomorrow for those. As for the Hepatitis A and B that is something that takes at several months to complete and we don't have that kind of time.


You will be partially protected even with just the 1st series of Hep A.
I got my 1st one, and I leave this weekend on Holland, Western Caribbean..

[Cruisin'Lady]

A good idea is to go to the Center for Disease Control page and check out the section related to travelling. You can actually look up your itinerary and find out what vaccines are recommended for the areas you are travelling to. You'll find lots of good information there.
Is this on the official HAL site or a different website?:confused:

[the_dylaness]

Regarding Hepatitis A;

It's a good idea to get it- your second vaccine should be 6-12 months after the first one. It's a good idea to "boost" it every 5 years or so.

You CAN request hepatitis A immune globulin (basically it's the stuff that your body would've made in response to the vaccine if it had gotten it- it isn't permanent but can be useful in these types of situations. Don't know the length of activity off the top of my head) this close to sailing since you don't have time to get both sets of shots. I have no idea how much it costs but if you are truly concerned I would talk to your doc about it.

[matondo]

Regarding Hepatitis A;

It's a good idea to get it- your second vaccine should be 6-12 months after the first one. It's a good idea to "boost" it every 5 years or so.

You CAN request hepatitis A immune globulin (basically it's the stuff that your body would've made in response to the vaccine if it had gotten it- it isn't permanent but can be useful in these types of situations. Don't know the length of activity off the top of my head) this close to sailing since you don't have time to get both sets of shots. I have no idea how much it costs but if you are truly concerned I would talk to your doc about it.

Isn't that the old school nasty stuff that goes in your bum? I had it years ago and it was not fun. The problem used to be with that vaccine was it was only good for 6 months and near the end of that time period your immune system actually drops below normal. I would go with getting the first shot (which is in your arm) of the two shot series. Check with you local CDC and they can tell you the latest opinion. We are supposed to have the infectious disease group on our ship I can ask them and let you know when we get bac.;)

[sail7seas]

The ship's infirmary probably has a few doses of tetanus. It is my understanding we should get that every ten years.

Many (most) of us should get flu shots.

[JORAY]

Our doctor recommended the Hep A and B even for the Caribbean because the cleanliness rules in the medicial facilities in some countries are not all that great. He said that it is even beening recommended in the USA now and some school systems here in Indiana are requiring it. As I recall the Hep A was a 2 shot deal and Hep B was 3. We are done with our Hep A and have had 2 of the 3 Hep B. Will be getting the third in Jan 09. They were not cheap but our health insurance covered most of it. The Yellow Fever shot for Brazil was the most at $135 but you only need one and it is good for life.

Yellow Fever is only good for 10 years. Going next week for my third one so I can go to Brazil.

Ray

[medfordgirl]

The ship's infirmary probably has a few doses of tetanus. It is my understanding we should get that every ten years.

Many (most) of us should get flu shots.




good to know that the tetanus should be available on board...just in case. Will take care of that before the our cruise next year as well as the hepatitis. as for the flu shot, we get those as soon as they are available each year.

[Cruisin'Lady]

thanks for the info. Unfortunately with the flu shots I get really sick...did every single time I took a shot for 3 times. The last two years I have not had a flu shot and have not gotten sick. I never really came down with the flu...but something in the shot makes me vomit for a few days and come down with a fever. So I will take my chances and go without.

I am very cautious and carry disinfectant wipes with me all the time.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Yellow Fever shot for Brazil was the most at $135 but you only need one and it is good for life.

Yellow fever shots are good for only 10 years. Ours expired this past January and due to the fact that we both have medical cnoditions that could react to the shots we are no longer advised to get these shots.

Has really put a crimp in our cruising itineraries.

In fact we had to cancel our Amazon cruise because of this situation.

[Nutrioso]

For Krazy Kruiser ---- I just checked the CDC web site. They say that if you have a medical condition which prohibits getting the Yellow Fever vaccination you can get an affidavit which allows you to travel without it. Check it out. Your trip to the Amazon is not impossible after all. We did the Amazon a couple of years ago and it was the most wonderful experience ever. ----Penny

[sail7seas]

good to know that the tetanus should be available on board...just in case. Will take care of that before the our cruise next year as well as the hepatitis. as for the flu shot, we get those as soon as they are available each year.


There is plenty of time for you to get your tetanus shot pre-cruise. Probably a good idea to do so seeing as you know you need it regardless of the fact you are cruising.

I already got my flu shot for this year. :)

[jcrandle]

With the changing requirements for Brazilian entry, there has been much confusion and misinformation on the Yellow Fever vaccination issue. According to the CDC, there is no requirement for the vaccination to enter Brazil, see http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentYellowFeverBrazil.aspx However the Brazilian embassy site at http://www.brasilemb.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=176&Itemid=136 still states that the vaccination is required if you have visited certain countries in the 90 days previous to entry of Brazil. Hence the HAL position that the Amazon Explorer cruise will require proof of vaccination.

The embassy website does not list exceptions for those who are advised medically not to be vaccinated, however the CDC in http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/YellowFever/vaccine/index.html states that

Medical Waivers. Most countries will accept a medical waiver for persons with a medical reason for not receiving the vaccination. It may be useful to obtain written waivers from foreign country consular or embassy officials before departure. Travelers should contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for specific advice. Typically, a physician's letter stating the reason for withholding the vaccination and written on letterhead stationery is required by the embassy or consulate to issue a waiver. The letter should bear the stamp used by a health department or official immunization center to validate the International Certificate of Vaccination.

So in summary, it may not be too late to have the waiver accepted by the Brazilian embassy, and last I checked, there were still some cabins available on the Prinsendam.

With all of the conflicting info and exceptions, my advice remains the same. Believe only half of what you see, and none of what you hear. It applies to politics too!!

[world~citizen]

Yellow Fever shot is a requirement for entry into Brazil.

I always recommend you verify with the embassy of the country you wish to visit to determine which, if any, immunizations you might need. Also, you can speak with your doctor at minimum.

As to a requirement for a Yellow Fever shot in Brazil, are you sure? I thought it was only necessary if you were also going to Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Cameroon, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, French Guyana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sudan or Venezuela in the same itinerary, or if you were there in the past 90 days?

I could be wrong.

Please don't rely on the information on this or any anonymous board respecting health/immunization, customs/immigration, criminal law etc. There are official sites available which are preferable.

[world~citizen]

With all of the conflicting info and exceptions, my advice remains the same. Believe only half of what you see, and none of what you hear. It applies to politics too!!

Surely not! :eek:

Smooth sailing to you.

[world~citizen]

For Krazy Kruiser ---- I just checked the CDC web site. They say that if you have a medical condition which prohibits getting the Yellow Fever vaccination you can get an affidavit which allows you to travel without it. Check it out. Your trip to the Amazon is not impossible after all. We did the Amazon a couple of years ago and it was the most wonderful experience ever. ----Penny

Remember it is the government of the country you wish to enter which will be the only and final authority. The CDC website is only a good resource in this respect.

[sail7seas]

Remember it is the government of the country you wish to enter which will be the only and final authority. The CDC website is only a good resource in this respect.


Final authority also rests with HAL as they can deny you boarding if you do not have documentation that you have gotten required immunizations.

[Cruisin'Lady]

I went to the CDC site and looked up the Caribbean ports that we are stopping in. My questions is that these are recommendations from the CDC and I didn't see where it says they are required. How do we know what HAL is going to require? We did get our tetnus shots today...but did not get for typhoid fever vaccine like the CDC mentions.

Also we do not have any documentions for the MMR, mumps, measles ect because when we were kids we HAD those diseases...thus have a natural immunity to them. No way of proving it though...just our word!

Do they really check for these documents for the CARIBBEAN destinations???

[peaches from georgia]

I went to the CDC site and looked up the Caribbean ports that we are stopping in. My questions is that these are recommendations from the CDC and I didn't see where it says they are required. How do we know what HAL is going to require? We did get our tetnus shots today...but did not get for typhoid fever vaccine like the CDC mentions.

Also we do not have any documentions for the MMR, mumps, measles ect because when we were kids we HAD those diseases...thus have a natural immunity to them. No way of proving it though...just our word!

Do they really check for these documents for the CARIBBEAN destinations???
You don't need proof of any shots for your cruise. Most of the recommendations of the CDC are for people spending time in the interior of these islands/countries. Cruises stay in a port for such a short period of time, less than a day, no shots are required.

[world~citizen]

Final authority also rests with HAL as they can deny you boarding if you do not have documentation that you have gotten required immunizations.

Absolutely! I stand corrected.

Smooth sailing to you...

[Aunty Pat]

Here is the CDC”S traveler’s information web site. You should find all the information you are looking for here.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/)


Aunty Pat

[ukdeblarz]

How many cruisers actually take anti-malaria drugs before docking in Roatan or Belize?

[Cruisin'Lady]

How many cruisers actually take anti-malaria drugs before docking in Roatan or Belize?

I don't know about anyone else...but I have been taking antimalaria drugs for my rheumitoid arthritis everyday for 7 years and at a much higher dose! My dd and sil took some before going to st. marten for their honeymoon. I asked my doc if my hubby needed to take some before our trip to the caribbean and he said no.

[Nutrioso]

Where is Krazy Kruiser? I had hoped she would be back to talk about the yellow fever affidavit. Penny

[jcrandle]

Yellow fever shots are good for only 10 years. Ours expired this past January and due to the fact that we both have medical cnoditions that could react to the shots we are no longer advised to get these shots.

Has really put a crimp in our cruising itineraries.

In fact we had to cancel our Amazon cruise because of this situation.

Sorry you had to cancel your cruise. The letter I received from HAL about immunization requirements on the Amazon cruise stated "Please consult your physician to determine whether he or she believes you have a condition that would prevent you from receiving the yellow fever immunization." "If that is his or her conclusion, your physician must give you a signed letter, on his or her letterhead, stating his or her conclusion and the basis for it." "You must have the original letter with you."

So there is an alternative to the vaccination requirement.

[mr green]

We have never had shots yet, but we check with our doctor, befor each cruise.

john

[Akheila]

for those of you out there there is the twinrix vaccine, which is you hep shots...the first one is a starter and you can accelerate the shots, so you don't have to do it over months to a year...and the pharmacist where we picked ours up said I didn't need the full amount, unless..and I quote..."we were planning on getting jiggy with the locals"...to which I replied..."I'm sur emy husband would not approve" can you imagine