Risk / Health Info for Saint Helena

Do I need vaccines for Saint Helena?

You don’t need any vaccines to go to Saint Helena. Do check, however, that your tetanus booster is up-to-date, particularly if you are planning a long stay. Your travel health advisor can help you decide whether you are up-to-date with your tetanus booster.

Some groups of travellers may need a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex.

Are there any health concerns in Saint Helena?

As with any destination you may find that the local bacteria and viruses give you a slight stomach upset, or travellers’ diarrhoea. Take it easy for 24 hours and keep your fluid in-take up.

Rabies is present in bats on Saint Helena – if you will be working with bats (for example, as a scientific researcher), ask your advisor about the vaccine. Rabies can be contracted from the saliva of an infected bat. If you are bitten by a bat on Saint Helena, seek medical advice straight away – even if you have been vaccinated against rabies – as you may need post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

Your travel health advisor can also give you tips on staying safe in the sun and avoiding accidents.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Saint Helena?

If you have come from a county with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will need a yellow fever certificate. This applies to all travellers over the age of one. Discuss your itinerary with your Global Travel Clinic health advisor to work out whether you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.

What are the healthcare facilities like on Saint Helena?

The standard of medical care is adequate on Saint Helena, but costs can be high, even for Canadian and U.S. citizens and you may need to be evacuated if your case is complex. Ensure your travel insurance is up to date.

The emergency number in Saint Helena is 911.