Jamaica
Jamaica in the Caribbean shares its neighbourhood with Cuba, Haiti and the Cayman Islands.
Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling.
Travel Vaccinations for Jamaica
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Jamaica.
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | MMR, Course of Two | £56 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Revaxis, Single Dose | £41 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhim Vi, Single Dose | £51 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Avaxim/havrix, Single Dose | £86 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | EnergixB, Course of Three | £61 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Course of Three | £66 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabipur, Course of Three, ID, in rabies clinincs | £50 |
Advice for Travellers to all Destinations
All Travellers
All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
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Further Travel Health Advice for Jamaica
If there is one Caribbean island that could be termed iconic, it has to be Jamaica. From the hectic pace of the sea port, airport and resorts in Montego Bay, affectionately called MO Bay, to the luxurious cliff houses, and coral reefs at Ocho Rios, you will always find something that makes you want to return. The crowded capital, Kingston has undergone a rejuvenation, with the result being Emancipation Park, and its lovely fountains, the National Gallery, and the Trench Town Museum, where Bob Marley memorabilia is the main attraction. Taste the world-famous coffee while you take in the view from the Blue Mountains, or after tanning on Seven mile beach, cool down under the cascades of Dunn’s River Falls. Before you start packing, your first stop on your way to Jamaica should be a visit to our Travel Health Clinic, four to eight weeks before departure so that you will be completely safe and up-to-date with the Vaccinations you need for travel to Jamaica.
Heat and Humidity
The Jamaican sun is very strong, and can burn you even when you are in the sea. At the beach, take care to spend at least 20 minutes in the shade each hour, and make a habit of carrying bottled water with you wherever you go, to stay hydrated. Alcohol will dehydrate you, so take care to limit your alcohol intake.
Drinking Water
It is wise not to trust the quality of Jamaica’s drinking water. Use bottled water, and remember to bring lots with you when touring, or lounging on the beach.
Food and Drink
Jamaicans hold fast to their African roots, and nowhere is this fact more in evidence than in the cuisine. The signature jerk chicken, jerk pork, and even jerk conch is known world wide as uniquely Jamaican. This method of spicing and grilling meats is now used internationally, but nothing compares to the taste of jerk chicken in Jamaica. The must-try dish is Ackee, a local fruit, with dried codfish, mixed with onions and tomatoes. If curries appeal to you, most restaurants make a good chicken or goat curry, usually served with peas and rice. You will find a tempting choice of fruit and vegetables in Jamaica, often sold at roadside stands. Popular soda drinks are the local version of coke, called Bigga Cola, and Champagne Cola, and Grapefruit Cola are very refreshing. Red Stripe, the Jamaican-brewed lager, is known the world over, and the local rum, made from sugar cane, is a big hit with tourists and locals alike, but should be approached with caution!
Seeking Treatment Abroad
If you need health care in Jamaica, there are several hospitals, and a choice of good clinics. In general the standard of care is good, however, it is best to check with your hotel or resort before choosing a care facility. Arrange in advance to have plenty of money with you to pay for any health care you might need, since your own insurance may not cover these costs and most clinics require cash payment.
Travel and Health Insurance
Protect yourself, and your family, with comprehensive travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any potentially risky activities.
Personal Safety
Aside from observing the normal precautions, such as not carrying large sums of money, visitors are generally safe in tourist areas, resorts such as Ocho Rios, and Montego, however, Jamaica does have crime issues and before venturing out, it is advisable to check with your tour group as to any potential problems. On hiking tours, particularly around waterfalls or narrow trails after a rainfall, wear proper footwear and use caution. In Kingston, be especially aware and use taxis at night.