Vaccinations needed?

[Skookumchuck]

I've booked a holiday for this October and I'm wondering if any vaccinations are needed for North Americans visiting Bonaire? One other question, I would like to take pictures when we go diving and I'm trying to think of a good place to hide my camera while we're underwater, any suggestions?
Thanks, Andrew.

 

[Warmwater Wank]

Definitely get a PBD vaccination. Doesn't help much but if you don't get one...well let's just say it's bad either way. Uh, if you want to take pictures when you go diving I'd hide your camera somewhere on your BC? Oh, a non-diving camera. Don't take it. You can always snap pics on your non-dive day. I suppose if it's a small one (and you felt ok risking it) you could put it in a ziplock and hide it somewhere under your truck--but not in it. (Don't try the "Under the 4th piece of coral on the left" routine. I spent 20 minutes looking for the truck keys once after I discovered all the coral chunks looked alike...) You'll have a great time. // ww

 

[eric gundrum]

I've booked a holiday for this October and I'm wondering if any vaccinations are needed for North Americans visiting Bonaire?

You may find some useful information on the CDC Travel website. I think this item is particularly relevant: Vaccinations | CDC Travelers' Health

That will lead you to their Destinations page, which then leads to the page for Bonaire: Health Information for Netherlands Antilles | CDC Travelers' Health

Some of the other medical information on those pages seems like it would be good to know.

 

[DiveMaven]

It's always a good idea to have an up-to-date tetnus shot, but otherwise as long as you have all the normal ones we get in the US as children, you should be fine. Just make sure to carry bug spray with DEET and use it. It'll help keep the mosquitos away and seriously reduce your risk of Dengue fever, which although isn't a high risk, is a possibility nonetheless.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

Definitely get a PBD vaccination. Doesn't help much but if you don't get one...well let's just say it's bad either way.

A what? Do you mean a PPD (tuberculosis vaccination)? I even looked it up and didn't see anything.

 

[helimvee]

A what? Do you mean a PPD (tuberculosis vaccination)? I even looked it up and didn't see anything.

PBD = Post Bonaire Depression Once you've been there you will understand

 

[drrich2]

It was a joke; PBD = Post Bonaire Depression, said to afflict divers who've been to Bonaire as they long to return.

A PPD is a skin test to determine whether a person has been exposed to the bacteria that cause Tuberculosis; it doesn't differentiate current vs. past infection, and it is not a vaccination as it does not provide protective benefit against future tuberculosis infection.

I got current on Tetanus and also got the 2 shot Hepatitis A vaccination at my local Health Department. Hepatitis A is one of those 'fecal oral route' viral illnesses, and I figured that it could ruin a holiday if I ever stumbled across it in my travels.

There's nothing specific about Bonaire in my suggestions; I was actually anticipating a Caribbean cruise when I pursued the vaccinations.

Richard.

 

[DiverVince]

Andrew..With respect to the camera, if you can't take it underwater, don't bring it or leave it in your truck. Why tempt fate? There's always plenty of time later on for above water photos.

 

[herman]

A what? Do you mean a PPD (tuberculosis vaccination)? I even looked it up and didn't see anything.

Nope it's PBD for sure.


Andrew, follow the "take nothing but old T-shirts and tennis shoes to the dive site and leave the windows down" advise. The island is small and there is plenty of time to take dive site shots on your last day when you can't dive.