Travel Immunizations: Required Shots For Your Aruba Vacation

If you're planning a trip to Aruba, it's important to be aware of the recommended and required immunizations to ensure a safe and healthy journey. While there are no mandatory vaccinations specifically required for entry into Aruba, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) suggest several vaccinations and medications to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. These include vaccines for typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Additionally, travelers arriving from Central America, Latin America, or Africa are required to have the yellow fever vaccine, proven by an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). It's always a good idea to consult official sources and healthcare professionals for the most up-to-date and personalized advice regarding travel immunizations.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The virus is usually spread through close, personal contact with an infected person or when a person unknowingly consumes the virus from contaminated objects, food, or drinks. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, light-coloured bowel movements). Most children under the age of 6 do not show symptoms.

The hepatitis A vaccine can prevent hepatitis A. The vaccine is recommended for all children between 12 months and 18 years of age living in the United States. It is also recommended for those who are considered to be at increased risk of infection, including:

• International travellers, especially those travelling to countries with moderate or high rates of hepatitis A
• Men who have sexual contact with other men
• People who use injection or non-injection drugs
• People with chronic liver disease or HIV infection
• Pregnant women who might be at increased risk
• People experiencing homelessness

The hepatitis A vaccine is typically given as a series of two shots, with the second dose administered at least 6 months after the first. Children receiving the first shot should be at least 12 months old.

For those travelling to Aruba, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry. However, the CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations, including the hepatitis A vaccine, for travellers to the region. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact, and Aruba is considered a region with moderate or high rates of hepatitis A.

To effectively prevent hepatitis A infection, it is crucial to get vaccinated and maintain proper hygiene practices. According to health authorities, vaccination is a critical step in protecting yourself from this contagious liver infection. It is recommended to receive the hepatitis A vaccine at least two weeks before travelling, with four weeks being the ideal timeframe for maximum effectiveness.

Yellow fever vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all travellers arriving in Aruba from Central America, Latin America, and African countries. This vaccine is administered only at approved vaccination centres, and travellers are provided with a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

The yellow fever vaccine is a live, weakened form of the virus, and a single dose of the vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection. It is recommended for people aged 9 months or older, who are travelling to or living in areas at risk for yellow fever in Africa and South America. The vaccine should be taken at least 10 days before travel.

It is important to note that some people may have an increased risk of developing a reaction to the vaccine. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if you need a yellow fever vaccination or a booster shot before travelling to Aruba.

In addition to the yellow fever vaccine, the CDC and WHO recommend several other vaccinations for travellers to Aruba, including typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, and influenza, among others.

Typhoid vaccine

While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry to Aruba, the CDC and WHO recommend getting the typhoid vaccine before travelling to the island. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi, transmitted through contaminated food and water sources, and is common in many regions of the world, including parts of East and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The typhoid vaccine can prevent typhoid fever, a potentially life-threatening disease with symptoms including persistent high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, diarrhoea or constipation, cough, and loss of appetite. The bacteria can multiply and spread into the bloodstream if someone eats or drinks contaminated food or water. Without treatment, as many as 30% of people die from complications of typhoid fever, and antibiotic treatment options are becoming less available due to the rise of drug-resistant typhoid bacteria.

There are two types of vaccines to prevent typhoid fever: an inactivated (killed) vaccine administered as an injection, and a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine administered orally. The former can be given to people aged 2 and older, while the latter is suitable for those aged 6 and older. The inactivated vaccine requires one dose at least 2 weeks before travel, with repeated doses every 2 years for those who remain at risk. The live vaccine involves swallowing four capsules every other day, with the last dose taken at least 1 week before travel, and a booster vaccine needed every 5 years.

It is important to note that the typhoid vaccine is not 100% effective, and it should not be a substitute for maintaining rigorous hygiene practices and food safety measures when travelling to Aruba.

Hepatitis B vaccine

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for entry to Aruba, the CDC and WHO recommend getting the hepatitis B vaccine before travelling to the island. Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver and can lead to lifelong infection, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and even death. The vaccine is safe and effective and can provide lifetime protection against this preventable chronic liver disease.

The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants and children up to the age of 18 who have not been vaccinated yet. It is also suggested for adults aged 19 to 59 and those over 60 with risk factors for hepatitis B infection. Additionally, adults over 60 without known risk factors can also opt to get the vaccine. The CDC and WHO advise travellers to get vaccinated if they are going to a region where hepatitis B is prevalent, and Aruba falls into this category.

The hepatitis B vaccine is available in a three-dose schedule for all age groups. The first shot can be given at any time, but newborns should receive their initial dose immediately after birth, preferably in the delivery room. The second shot is administered at least one month after the first, and the third shot is given at least four months after the first and two months after the second. It is important to receive all three doses to ensure full protection.

If you are travelling to Aruba, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic to discuss your specific needs and determine if the hepatitis B vaccine is appropriate for you. They will be able to provide personalised advice and address any concerns you may have about the vaccine.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a live, "weakened" form of the natural viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine was developed in the 1970s, combining three separate vaccines that were first created in the 1960s. Measles, mumps, and rubella are all highly contagious viral infections that can cause serious illness and complications, including fever, rash, and swelling of the brain. In the case of rubella, infection during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects or miscarriage.

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses, with the first dose typically administered to children between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose given between 4 and 6 years of age. The CDC recommends that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure protection against these diseases. While the MMR vaccine is not required for entry into Aruba, it is still recommended by the CDC and WHO for travellers to the region. This is because measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections that can be spread through various vectors.

The MMR vaccine is safe for most individuals, but there are some exceptions. Pregnant women, for example, should not receive the MMR vaccine and should instead be vaccinated before becoming pregnant. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or a history of severe allergies may need to postpone vaccination or consult with their healthcare provider before receiving the MMR vaccine.

It is worth noting that, while the MMR vaccine is effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella, it may not confer lifelong immunity. In some cases, a third dose of the MMR vaccine may be recommended for certain individuals, such as those travelling to areas with a high risk of transmission or during disease outbreaks.

Frequently asked questions