Risk / Health Info for Costa Rica

What vaccinations should I get for Costa Rica?

Having a tropical climate, the risk of catching a tropical disease is quite possible. You may not be aware but you will have to get yourself resistant of these diseases by getting yourself vaccinated. Luckily, vaccines can protect you and your children against these diseases. The health experts at GTC have put together an outline of the most common health hazards. You can see at a glimpse which vaccinations are required precisely and what additional safety measures you can take.

We at Global Travel Clinics not just provide you with the travel vaccination and travel immunization facility but also educate you and make you aware of the commonly prevailing diseases at a specific destination as well. Make sure you protect yourself by getting the required shots.

After a lot of research, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following  travel vaccinations for Costa Rica:

hepatitis A

hepatitis B

typhoid

yellow fever

chickenpox

rabies

meningitis

polio

dengue

zika virus

measles

mumps

rubella (MMR)

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

shingles

pneumonia and influenza.

cikungunya

A healthy trip to Costa Rica? Prepare for your trip with our tips

Make your trip to Costa Rica as enjoyable as possible and avoid unforeseen shocks.

Altitude in Costa Rica

Parts of Costa Rica are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Chikungunya virus in Costa Rica

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Costa Rica. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in Costa Rica

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Costa Rica. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in Costa Rica

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Costa Rica. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Costa Rica. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.