Caribbean and Jabs

theGrinch

Consulted various official sites on this including travelhealth pro and the advice is suggestive.

Must you have them - MMR vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Probably not had them in 30 years.

leylandsunaddict

You should ask your GP surgery practice nurse. Also check your insurance. Most policies state that you aren't covered for any claim directly or indirectly resulting from your failure to obtain any recommended vaccines or medications before your trip.

Voyager2002

theGrinch wrote: »

Consulted various official sites on this including travelhealth pro and the advice is suggestive.

Must you have them - MMR vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Probably not had them in 30 years.

The answer depends in part on your medical history, and in part on the sort of holiday you are planning and hence the risks to which you are likely to be exposed.

Of course, the health risks posed by the Caribbean depend to a great extent on which country you are visiting: Haiti is not at all the same as The Bahamas.

Pollycat

theGrinch wrote: »

Consulted various official sites on this including travelhealth pro and the advice is suggestive.

Must you have them - MMR vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Probably not had them in 30 years.

Most destinations state that vaccinations are recommended - as opposed to compulsory to gain entry to the country you're visiting.

So I guess the anser to your question is 'no'.

However, take the advice of your GP.

Take a look at this website that shows what vaccinations are recommended, it also gives information on the disease you will be protected from:
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

theGrinch

St Lucia - sitting on beach / hotel

ali-t

We are going to the southern caribbean including st lucia and dont need any vaccinations. Prevention of mosquito bites and zika virus seems a bigger risk at the moment.

theonlywayisup

We have a home in the Caribbean. You won't need any inoculations to travel to St Lucia. Lot's of mosquito repellant, sunscreen and a book, that's about it.

Pollycat

theGrinch wrote: »

St Lucia - sitting on beach / hotel

So what does it say on the website I gave you the link to?

Nobody knows your medical history so go see your GP.

shaun_from_Africa

I would recommend making sure that your tetanus shot is up to date and will echo the comment from theonlywayisup about having plenty of mossie repellent.
Depending on the time of year that you are going (the rainy season is about June to November and this is the worst time for mosquitos) and the standard of hotel you will be staying in, a mosquito net should be considered if you are particularly susceptible to mossie or other insect bites.

Whilst there is no malaria in the area, there have been a few zika cases and there is another mosquito borne illness called chikungunya and whilst it's rarely fatal, it can sometimes leave you bed bound for a fair time (up to a few months if really unlucky).