Risk / Health Info for Barbados

What injections do I need for Barbados?

You will need a few vaccines to go to Barbados, including hepatitis A and typhoid, which will protect you against a pair of GI illnesses. There is a and a typhoid vaccine which can be administered orally if you prefer to avoid needles.

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 or in a lab that handles body fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. If you think any of this applies to you, ask your travel health advisor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. You can get a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Barbados?

There is no longer a reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Barbados. Healthcare is expensive in Barbados so ensure you have good travel insurance and access to funds if you need to pay up front for treatment. You may have to be evacuated if you require complex treatment, so ensure your travel insurance covers this.

The emergency number in Barbados is 511.

Protect your health in Barbados

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Barbados, including Chikungunya virus, dengue fever and zika, so it is a very good idea to avoid mozzie bites. The advice is to wear loose neutral-coloured clothing and apply a reliable insect repellent. Try to sleep in an air-conditioned room or under nets wherever possible.

Chikungunya virus in Barbados

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Barbados. 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 Barbados

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Barbados. 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 Barbados

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Barbados. 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 Barbados. 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.