Jamaica

Have a safe trip to Jamaica with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Jamaica Travel Vaccine, Health and Safety Advice 🇯🇲

Discover the heart and soul of the Caribbean in Jamaica, where every corner tells a story of history, music, and unparalleled hospitality.

Jamaica is known for its vibrant reggae music, which originated here, and the enduring legacy of Bob Marley. The island’s distinctive culture is also expressed through its colorful art, and lively festivals. Located in Kingston, The Bob Marley Museum, is a tribute to the legendary reggae musician and provides a deep insight into his life and music.

The Blue and John Crow Mountains in Jamaica hold a place of great significance both nationally and internationally, being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stretching across an area of approximately 200,000 acres, this mountainous region is home to an astonishing array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Immerse yourself in the magic of Jamaica, where warm smiles, world-class beaches, and a pulsating reggae heartbeat await your discovery.

Travel Immunizations for Jamaica

What vaccinations do I need for Jamaica? Get all the information and vaccine injections you need to minimize travel health risks in Jamaica.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections. 

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.  

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.  

  • Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.    
  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen. 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Health Problems in Jamaica / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (eg. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.

Salmonellosis

  • Infectious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella contracted through contaminated food or water.
  • Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting, and headache.
  • Most cases, resolve on their own without treatment. It is important to stay hydrated to replace lost fluids.

Insect Bite Prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.     

  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache. 
  • Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.

    • Typically spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, but also a very small risk of sexual transmission

    • Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries with moderate risk, and should postpone non-essential travel to high-risk countries

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Jamaica

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine(e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing. 

How Good is Healthcare in Jamaica? Medical Services and Facilities in Jamaica

  • Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas and in Kingston.
  • Medical care and hospital facilities in remote areas are limited. Ambulance services are limited in both urban and rural areas.
  • Medical expenses can be very high. Clinics may require payment upfront or credit card information as a guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care.
  • Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
  • Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Consulate Assistance in Jamaica

Street Address: 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica 

Telephone: (876) 926-1500

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Jamaica

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

In case of emergency, dial:
  • 119 for Police
  • 911 for Firefighters
  • 911 for Medical Assistance

Jamaica Tourist Board offices are located throughout the island. They have direct radio links with local police and information on safe public beaches.

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