Shots for Roatan

[divingyogini]

One of my friends who teaches paramedic training said you should get Hep A and Hep B vaccines even if you never leave the US. I believe it. Schoolteachers in many states are required to get Hep B because the virus can live outside the human body for up to a week and still infect someone, plus it's something like 100x more powerful than the AIDS. It's scary stuff, and well worth getting vaccinated against.

Don't forget your tetanus, which ALL divers should stay current with.

In Seattle, the University of Washington has an excellent Travel Medicine clinic, perhaps you can find one in your area. When we went before a big multi-island trip, we got prescriptions for some anti-diarrhea drugs and a couple other things, just in case. Unfortunately health insurance didn't cover the visit, but it was well worth it.

 

[Oddsnends]

One of my friends who teaches paramedic training said you should get Hep A and Hep B vaccines even if you never leave the US. I believe it. Schoolteachers in many states are required to get Hep B because the virus can live outside the human body for up to a week and still infect someone, plus it's something like 100x more powerful than the AIDS. It's scary stuff, and well worth getting vaccinated against.

Don't forget your tetanus, which ALL divers should stay current with.

Indeed, Hep B is a resilient little guy. Unfortunately, it requires a 3 shot series and immunity wears off for some.

If you are up for your next tetanus be sure to ask for the Tdap - an excellent combo immunization.

 

[JillGadget]

Can someone in here tell me the shots, vaccinations, I will need before I travel to Roatan.

Greg

Im a don't take any chance kind-a-gal! I've seen to much from people who came back from a 3rd world country. I asked this question back when planning our trip to FI (for April 08) Great answers and led me to the CDC, wehre after a lot of research I made an educated decision to go to a Travel Doctor (rather than my GP). They know so much more as it is a specialty. Turns out due to some older blood work I had, my measle antiboties were not up to snuff so we through that in amongst the others for good measure! CDC recomends for Roatan: HepA, HepB, Typhoid and malaria, and lots and lots of bug repellant high in Deet. I know someone who got deunge fever last year in Riviera Maya, we think he got bit while we were doing a cenote dive, but funny thing is, HE HAD the bug spray, we didn't.

Hep A and Hep B are shots, and you need booster in few months to make permanent.
Typhoid comes in 2 forms: injection, which lasts 2-3 years or pill (taken every othe day for 5 doses) that lasts for 5 years. (I took the pills). Malaria drug is pill taken before you leave, during your stay and after you return.

Some, take their chances but I'd rather spend a little in preventative then ALOT later. Don't eat anything undercooked either!!!

Have fun, I can't wait until April for our trip.
Jill

 

[JillGadget]

One of my friends who teaches paramedic training said you should get Hep A and Hep B vaccines even if you never leave the US. I believe it. Schoolteachers in many states are required to get Hep B because the virus can live outside the human body for up to a week and still infect someone, plus it's something like 100x more powerful than the AIDS. It's scary stuff, and well worth getting vaccinated against.

Don't forget your tetanus, which ALL divers should stay current with.

In Seattle, the University of Washington has an excellent Travel Medicine clinic, perhaps you can find one in your area. When we went before a big multi-island trip, we got prescriptions for some anti-diarrhea drugs and a couple other things, just in case. Unfortunately health insurance didn't cover the visit, but it was well worth it.

Thats right divingyogini, forgot the tetnus as I had been up on that. Usually they will give Cipro or another strong broadbased antibiotic just in case you get a bug in you. That would be awesome if you have a travel clinic near you. Nothing like that here unless I travel 2 1/2 hours to NYC. They will also teach you what to look out for, types of snacks etc... Definately worth the money.

 

[BTravlin]

That would be awesome if you have a travel clinic near you. Nothing like that here unless I travel 2 1/2 hours to NYC. They will also teach you what to look out for, types of snacks etc... Definately worth the money.

You might also want to check with your local/county health departments. They often have someone on staff who is proficient in travel medicine.

 

[agwatts]

Thanks my friends. I went and got the Hep A & B, my Tet. is current and I got a prescription for Malaria. So, I think I'm ready to go.

Greg

 

[divingyogini]

Glad to hear you're prepared. You also might want to buy some Immodium over the counter as well, just in case you end up with the "curse of Montezuma". It's worth packing in your bags as a preventive.