Recommended Travel Vaccines for Belize
ALL TRAVELLERS | SOME TRAVELLERS | COURSE* | |
Tetanus | Anytime before travel 1 dose | ||
Hepatitis A | 2 weeks before travel 1 dose | ||
Hepatitis B | 3 weeks before travel 3 doses | ||
MMR | 1 month before travel 2 doses | ||
Rabies | 4 weeks before travel 3 doses | ||
10 days before travel 1 dose |
*Vaccination schedules are approximate and are calculated based on the first dose. Schedules are subject to change depending on your individual needs and will be discussed in your appointment. These are the minimum times required to complete courses or for vaccines to become fully effective. You can always start your course of vaccinations earlier than stated, as vaccines work best when your body has time to process them. Your Travel Nurse will discuss any health implications in your appointment
Yellow Fever in Belize
There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Belize.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Malaria Risk in Belize
Malaria is present but is low risk, bite avoidance is essential however antimalarials are not required. We recommend you have a consultation with our expert Travel Nurses to talk through your options.
For a detailed map of the Malaria risk in this country, click here (Source: fitfortravel)
Other Health Risks
Chikungunya in Belize
There is a risk of Chikungunya virus in this country. Spread by mosquitos, Chikungunya virus is widespread across Africa, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent and the Philippines. Occasionally, the virus can be found in other countries where the mosquito that spreads Chikungunya can also be found. There is no vaccination against Chikungunya, it is important to protect yourself with bite avoidance products like DEET. For more information – click here.
Zika Virus in Belize
Zika is a viral infection transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite an infected person and then spread the infection to others when they bite again. Pregnant women are advised not to travel into Zika regions, and male partners must use condoms for 6 months after travel into affected areas to prevent sexual transmission of the disease to a pregnant partner. If planning pregnancy, female travellers should avoid getting pregnant for at least 8 weeks after being in a Zika region. Whereas men must avoid getting a woman pregnant for at least 6 months following travel into a Zika region as the virus can survive in sperm for much longer and can be sexually transmitted. For more information – click here.
Dengue Fever in Belize
There is a risk of Dengue Fever. It is spread by a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti, otherwise known as the ‘tiger mosquito’ which mainly bites during the day. The illness is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics, affecting over 100 countries with approximately 50 million cases globally a year. Currently most infections occur in SE Asia, South and Central America, Mexico, Africa, Indian sub-continent, Hawaii and the Pacific. There is currently no vaccination against Dengue Fever, it is therefore important to protect yourself during the day with bite avoidance products like DEET. For more information – click here.