Inoculations

I'll be going on a Southern Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean and was looking through my cruise documentation when I ran across the following information about inoculations.

I. Inoculation/Health:

As detailed in our brochure, all guests must ensure that they are medically and physically fit for travel. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide guidelines as to which vaccinations are required in each country. In many cases inoculations are recommended, but in some circumstances, they are required. We recommend that you check with your health care professional or a Travel Medicine Specialist certified by the WHO for guidance. Other informational resources can be accessed on the*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveler's health website*or by calling toll-free (877) FYI-TRIP and on the*World Health Organization website.

1. Do I really have to double-check my inoculations?

2. If so, do I need to bring my inoculation records on the cruise?

Note: We will be stopping at San Juan, St Thomas, St Croix, Antigua, St Lucia, and Grenada.

Thanks!

Jason

It is always good to make sure your Tetanus shot is up to date

I do not think you need any other shots for those Islands

some Countries require Yellow fever shots before you arrive

You can check here for what is required

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html

There are no "required" immunizations for those countries. However, it is always wise to give your family physician a call and ask if you should update basic things like tetanus, flu, etc.

Hank

We have traveled the Caribbean for 16 years. There was never a requirement to show proof of inoculations.

We've been to all of your port stops many times. Great itinerary! :)

Like others have said, no inoculations are required.

It is a good idea to make sure your tetanus shot is up to date!

Look forward to having a WONDERFUL cruise! :D

LuLu

We have cruised to many countries that say that certain vaccines required . We have never been asked for proof or done them.

Some countries say to take malaria drugs when visiting . Then the small print says "If going into remote parts away from the major centers " .

We always check with our local travel clinic for up to date information.

You do not need any vaccinations or shots at all to cruise to the S. Caribbean. No worries.

As mentioned you do not require any immunizations but it's always good to be sure that your immunizations are up to date.

On a related note, when we sailed the Caribbean earlier this year we were encouraged by the cruise line to use insect repellent due to concerns about the Chikungunya.

We took the advice of the cruise line and used repellent in all ports this time around.

Keith

While the cruise line or countries visited may not require any vaccines, you may wish to check with your doctor for their advice as to your particular needs.

Thanks for all of the great information! I checked the CDC travelers website and only routine vaccinations are required. However, the website did mention Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended (but not required) immunizations. I think I'll also ask my doctor about a tetanus booster. Thanks again!

We just had our tetanus shots updated -- do this every 10 years.

Also make certain you have had the flu shot.

Good to get a pneumonia shot if you haven't gotten one.

We always take an insect repellent that has DEET in it.

We just had our tetanus shots updated -- do this every 10 years.

Also make certain you have had the flu shot.

Good to get a pneumonia shot if you haven't gotten one.

We always take an insect repellent that has DEET in it.

But you don't know the age of the original poster and you are really recommending a Pneumonia Shot?

I am sure you would agree that they should consult with their Physician. :)

Keith

As mentioned you do not require any immunizations but it's always good to be sure that your immunizations are up to date.

 

On a related note, when we sailed the Caribbean earlier this year we were encouraged by the cruise line to use insect repellent due to concerns about the Chikungunya.

 

We took the advice of the cruise line and used repellent in all ports this time around.

 

Keith

Ditto what others have said about this area not needing special shots, but wanted to stress the warning about Chikungunya! It is rapidly spreading through out the Caribbean and from what I've read is not a fun disease at all. As for carrying documentation as proof of vaccination, the only one that I'm aware of is Yellow Fever and for that you need the "official" Yellow Card which can only be issued by certain people who are authorized to give the shot and fill out the card. We carry ours in the passport folder just in case it's ever needed. So far, never needed it (yet!).

Ditto what others have said about this area not needing special shots, but wanted to stress the warning about Chikungunya! It is rapidly spreading through out the Caribbean and from what I've read is not a fun disease at all.

You are correct.

We used DEET in all Caribbean Ports earlier this year and last last year on multiple cruises based on what we read and what the cruise line recommended.

Keith