Risk / Health Info for Trinidad and Tobago

Do I need vaccines for Trinidad And Tobago?

You will need a few injections for Trinidad And Tobago. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended when you go to Trinidad And Tobago. They are available and will protect you from a pair of illnesses that you can pick up from contaminated food or water.

Rabies occurs in Trinidad And Tobago and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be around animals, consider getting this vaccine. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Trinidad And Tobago, even if you have been vaccinated.

Which travellers need a hepatitis B vaccine when going to Trinidad And Tobago? Some groups are more at risk of exposure to this virus and they should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in healthcare. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. If any of this applies to you, ask your travel health advisor about getting vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Is a yellow fever certificate needed to enter Trinidad And Tobago? The answer is yes. The vaccination gives lifelong immunity and your certificate is proof of this. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another yellow fever vaccine.

Can I get medical care in Trinidad And Tobago?

Medical facilities may be limited in parts of Trinidad And Tobago and serious cases are evacuated to Miami. For this reason, travel health insurance is a must when you go to Trinidad And Tobago.

The emergency number in Trinidad And Tobago is 990.

How can I protect my health in Trinidad And Tobago?

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Trinidad And Tobago, including dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, yellow fever and zika so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. There is a vaccine to protect you from yellow fever but there are no vaccines yet for Chikungunya virus, dengue fever and zika.

Chikungunya virus in Trinidad and Tobago

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Trinidad and Tobago. 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 Trinidad and Tobago

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Trinidad and Tobago. 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 Trinidad and Tobago

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Trinidad and Tobago. 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 Trinidad and Tobago. 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.