Bonaire Vaccinations

[Web Monkey]

DAN recommends Hepatitis A & Typhoid vaccinations for travel from the US to Bonaire.

Are these really necessary for spending a week at a resort doing diving, or can I skip them?

Is there any down-side to getting them?

Terry

 

[Far_X]

I have been to Bonaire twice and I didn't bother with these either time but then I am no medic.

 

[herman]

I don't know of anyone who gets them. The health standards on the island are pretty high.

 

[DeputyDan]

If you are going to travel a lot to dive you should consider getting them regardless. The Hepatitis A vaccine is for life. It's a series of two shots and runs around $175. Once vaccinated never have to do it again. Typhoid however, is only good for two years. You can do a pill or have a shot for Typhoid.

 

[mdjh51]

You should get Hep A vaccination, even if you never leave the US. There have been several outbreaks of Hep A in the last couple of years.

http://www.about-hepatitis.com/hepatitis_recent_outbreaks.htm

Also, keep in mind that the fresh vegetables and fruits in Bonaire come from Venezuela. Where the cleanliness may not be "up to par" so to speak. Most, but not all, of the Hep A outbreaks that have occurred here can be traced back to Central and South American produce.

Ben

 

[kelly7552]

If you are going to travel a lot to dive you should consider getting them regardless. The Hepatitis A vaccine is for life. It's a series of two shots and runs around $175. Once vaccinated never have to do it again. Typhoid however, is only good for two years. You can do a pill or have a shot for Typhoid.

My 2 kids didn't want a shot so they opted for the pill, it lasts 5 years versus 2 for the pill and is cheaper. The downside: you need to take 4 pills, one every other day, on an empty stomach without eating for 1 hour. Fun. My kids think they did the right thing, I REALLY feel like the shot would be way easier.

-Bill

 

[dvrliz1]

As far as I know, we have had no reports of EITHER disease on the island... No clue as to why on earth they would do that....I agree with the Hep A...though as a nurse in the states I got the HEP-B shots and found out I was immune to the antibodies, so it didn't take.....I ALWAYS suggest that if you are getting a vaccine to make sure you follow it up with a blood test to be sure it takes....

 

[Dave Zimmerly]

Make sure you have your Tetnus shot as well.

Dave (aka "Squirt")

 

[Web Monkey]

Make sure you have your Tetnus shot as well.

Dave (aka "Squirt")

Already got one of those.

It cost me $800 when I went to the ER after a "Garlic Slicing Incident".

Terry