Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands is a grouping of islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Its closest neighbors being Micronesia and the equator. The grouping of islands, which is made of more than 1,150 individual islands and has around 53,000 citizens.
Because the islands are small, they have few natural resources. As a result, the citizens of the Marshall Islands rely on tourism to stimulate their economy. Luckily, the Marshall Islands have a lot to offer. Travellers are drawn to the Marshall Islands for its plentiful beaches and rich, eclectic history.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Marshall Islands?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Marshall Islands
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for the Marshall Islands?
What Is the Climate Like in the Marshall Islands?
How Safe are the Marshall Islands?
RRE Mariculture Pearl Farm
What Should I Take to the Marshall Islands?
Canadian Embassy in the Marshall Islands
Do I Need Vaccines for Marshall Islands?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Marshall Islands. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Marshall Islands: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, 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. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. 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 Marshall Islands |
||
| 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. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. 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 Marshall Islands |
||
| 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, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection transmitted through infected fluids, can be prevented through safe practices and the hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, offering robust and long-lasting protection against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can lead to severe health issues. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The MMR vaccine, a safe and effective immunization, is recommended by the PHAC as the best way to prevent these diseases.
Dengue is present on the Marshall Islands. Make sure you’re protected with repellent and netting.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Marshall Islands
Prevent Bug Bites in Marshall Islands
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Marshall Islands
When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Marshall Islands
- Dengue – Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms like high fever and rash. Prevention involves protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. For those affected, seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, and using specific pain relievers under guidance is essential for recovery.
- 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 for the Marshall Islands?
Canadian citizens using Canadian passports do not require a prior arranged visa to enter the Marshall Islands for tourism or business stays under ninety days.
Visas are issued upon arrival at the international airport or port in the Marshall Islands.
Marshall Islands Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Marshall Islands? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Marshall Islands and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in the Marshall Islands?
The Marshall Islands is a small island country in the Pacific Ocean that has two popular tourist destinations – Majuro and Kwajalein Atoll. Both places have a tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. The average temperature during the day is around 30 degrees and at night it’s around 25. The rainy season in both places is from May to November, with August having the highest amount of rainfall.
If you are planning a trip to the Marshall Islands, it’s important to bring lightweight and breathable clothing and to stay hydrated because it can get very hot and humid. Also, it might rain, so it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella.
How Safe are the Marshall Islands?
The Marshall Islands is a safe place to visit, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. You should keep your valuables secure, dress modestly, and be cautious when swimming. It’s also important to be respectful and polite to locals, and to avoid confrontation. Before you go, make sure you’re up-to-date on all your routine vaccinations and be aware of extreme weather conditions.
The Marshall Islands can be affected by typhoons and other extreme weather events, especially during the wet season from May to November. You should keep an eye on the weather forecast and follow any advice or warnings from local authorities.
Remember to use your common sense and don’t take unnecessary risks. If you’re unsure about an area, ask locals or hotel staff for advice. By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Marshall Islands.
RRE Mariculture Pearl Farm
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
The Marshall Islands has more beaches than any one person can count. But, not very often do you find a beach with a pearl farm. While visiting the Marshall Islands, make the RRE Mariculture pearl farm in Majuro one of your stops.
Visitors to the farm will see that it is home to a clam farm. This is where large clams are bred. These are sold off to the aquarium market.
Majuro has much to offer including beach cottages near the RRE Mariculture pearl farm that are able to be rented. Tourists can also dive with sharks near this area as well.
What Should I Take to the Marshall Islands?
If you’re planning to travel to the Marshall Islands, it’s important to pack the right things. The Marshall Islands are hot and humid, bring lightweight clothes like t-shirts and shorts. You should also pack sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent to protect your skin. The Marshall Islands have beautiful beaches, so don’t forget your swimsuit and other beach gear like towels and beach shoes.
It’s also a good idea to bring lightweight rain gear in case of rain showers. Bring a travel adapter and chargers for your electronic devices. Don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit. You should also have cash and credit cards on hand, as some places may not accept credit cards.
Don’t forget to bring a small backpack or daypack to carry essentials while exploring the islands. Make sure to bring your travel documents like your passport and itinerary. It’s always a good idea to make copies of these documents in case of loss or theft. With these items packed, you’ll be ready to enjoy your trip to the Marshall Islands.
Canadian Embassy in the Marshall Islands
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Lithuania. For any consular needs, contact the Australian Embassy in the Marshall Islands:
Australian Embassy in the Marshall Islands
Office Suite 1, 4th floor, NAPA Building,
Uliga, Majuro, Marshall Islands 96960
Tel.: 692 457 2285
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Marshall Islands
“Our nurse is amazing. Extremely knowledgeable and thorough, answered all of my questions about the Marshall Islands and asked me to email her or call if I needed anymore info. I had vaccinations on the spot, I could not believe how painless it was. Got my appointment very quickly, she was on time and extremely attentive. I highly recommend this clinic!”
“The consultant was knowledgeable and friendly in answering our questions about the Marshall Islands. Great experience overall.”
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