Risk / Health Info for Cocos

What vaccines do I need to visit Cocos?

The health requirements for Cocos are not complex, but our experts can advise you. A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended as this virus can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice. Typhoid vaccination is also recommended. Typhoid is a bacterial infection of the intestines and blood.

You should ask your travel health advisor to check whether you need a tetanus booster, particularly if you are planning a long stay or if you are a frequent traveller.

Rabies occurs in Cocos and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs consider getting this shot. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Cocos, even if you have been vaccinated.

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

What other steps can I take to protect my health during my visit to Cocos?

Divers should wear reef shoes in the water to avoid injury as coral can be sharp and even apparently insignificant cuts can become rapidly infected in a tropical climate.

The sun is strong on Cocos so bring a broad-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen. Try to avoid being out in the open in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.

What are the medical facilities like on Cocos?

Your hotel or resort on The Cocos Islands will have the best up-to-date information about healthcare facilities. There are clinics on both Home Island and West Island that are run by The Indian Ocean Territories Health Service, which is owned by the Australian government. For opening hours, check the Shire of Cocos Keeling Islands website. If you need complex medical treatment, you will be evacuated to Perth, Australia, so ensure your travel health insurance is up to date and will cover this eventuality.

Will I be able to get my usual medications on the Cocos Islands?

If you rely on drugs be aware that these may be in short supply on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and could take a week to arrive. Basic over-the-counter medicines can be purchased, but shop opening hours are irregular. So, you should be sure to take a supply of personal medication, both prescription and non-prescription, for your entire trip.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Cocos?

If you are coming to The Cocos Islands from a country where with a yellow fever risk, you’ll need a yellow fever certificate. Since North America has no yellow fever risk, you shouldn’t need a certificate or vaccination if you are travelling straight to The Cocos Islands. But if you are planning a multi-destination trip ahead of you, then you should talk to one of our experts about your itinerary to find out whether a yellow fever shot is right for you. The yellow fever vaccine gives life-long immunity, and if you keep your certificate safe, you will never need another vaccine.