Travel Vaccines and Advice for Jamaica
Jamaica is a popular travel destination due to its lush mountains, rain forests, and sandy beaches. The Caribbean island has dozens of tourist spots and luxury resorts. It is the perfect spot for young-adults and families alike.
Jamaica also has a rich history of British colonization and in music- it is the birthplace of reggae. The Bob Marley Museum is located in their capital of Kingston.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Jamaica
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?
What is the Climate in Jamaica?
Is It Safe to Travel to Jamaica?
Visit Beautiful Ocho Rios
What Should I Pack for Jamaica?
Canadian Embassy in Jamaica
Do I Need Vaccines for Jamaica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Jamaica. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Jamaica: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Jamaica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Jamaica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when travelling to endemic areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective immunization that protects against the virus, usually given in two shots for long-term prevention.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals and spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily through bites or scratches. Preventing rabies involves vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking immediate medical attention if exposed. The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids. The hepatitis B vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the infection, offering long-term protection against this potentially life-threatening disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Dengue and Zika are two common mosquito-borne diseases found in Jamaica. Make sure you bring mosquito repellents or netting and avoid being outside at dawn or dusk. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region as Zika can cause birth defects.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Jamaica
Prevent Bug Bites in Jamaica
To ward off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Jamaica
When travelling, prioritize food safety with PHAC’s advice: consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw seafood, and pick clean eateries. Opt for bottled drinks, exercise caution with ice, and practice responsible alcohol consumption. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary conditions.
Infections To Be Aware of in Jamaica
- Dengue – Dengue fever, caused by Aedes mosquito bites, poses a significant global health risk. Preventative measures, including avoiding mosquito bites, are crucial due to the lack of direct antiviral treatments.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can lead to severe health issues and is primarily spread through mosquito bites. To prevent Zika, individuals should use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing while travelling, and pregnant women should avoid affected areas and practice safe sex.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Enter Jamaica?
A passport which is valid for the duration of your intended stay is required to enter the country. A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 6 months but a business visa is required.
Jamaica Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Jamaica? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Jamaica and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Passports must be valid at the time of entry and you must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Some countries are very strict about passport condition. If your passport has been damaged in any way, consider receiving a new one.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate in Jamaica?
Jamaica has a tropical climate which varies in temperature from warm too hot. Central areas with a higher elevation tend to have cooler temperatures. In winter, travellers can expect cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. But, it is still hot.
May through November are wetter months where short showers occur often. June through September is the hurricane. While hurricanes rarely make landfall in Jamaica, it is best to be prepared.
December through April is the best times to visit due to the lack of extreme weather conditions.
Is It Safe to Travel to Jamaica?
Areas such as Kingston and Montego Bay tend to experience high crime rates. Avoid travelling outside of resorts unless it is an official outing or excursion. Exercise caution at all times.
Be careful when travelling at night. Never travel alone and be sure to travel in groups, even during the day.
Before booking, make sure your resort has met the Jamaica Tourist Board’s safety standards.
Petty theft and scams are common, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Visit Beautiful Ocho Rios
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Ocho Rios is a fun place to visit in Jamaica for many reasons.
One is to climb Dunn’s River Falls, which is a big waterfall. You can go swimming at the beaches, like James Bond Beach or Turtle Beach.
You can also go on adventures in the rainforest at Mystic Mountain. They have zip-lining, bobsledding, and chairlift rides. You might like to go to Dolphin Cove, a park where you can swim with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays.
There are also places to go shopping for souvenirs and local things, like the Ocho Rios Craft Park or Island Village. You can also try Jamaican food and drinks at many restaurants and bars.
What Should I Pack for Jamaica?
Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But, it’s important to make sure you pack some of these items to make sure your trip is a success:
- Insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes which could carry disease.
- A beach bag for carrying sunscreen, towels, and other beach essentials.
- Water shoes for any rocky shores and excursions so your feet don’t become cut.
- Waterproof bags to protect electronics while at the beach.
- Light-colored, thin clothing to protect against the sun and help remain cool.
- Warm clothes for cooler temperatures at night.
Canadian Embassy in Jamaica
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Jamaica, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
High Commission of Canada in Kingston
3 West Kings House Road,
Kingston 10, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 926-1500
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Jamaica
“The nurse was very knowledgeable and was very helpful in answering our many questions regarding the immunizations required and other health precautions in Jamaica.”
“Yesterday I went to Passport Health on Sherbrooke in Montreal, and the service was amazing! Our nurse was so kind, helpful and knowledgeable. She answered all of our questions about Jamaica, travel vaccinations and did a great job at administering them. I am someone that is really afraid of needles, but i was very comfortable in her care!”
“The staff is very experienced, knowledgeable and patient. Would recommend them to any of our friends.”
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