Yellow fever immunization - Jewel 10-night caribbean/panama

[PAGA]

Has anyone recently done the itinerary visiting Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica (in that order)? And if so, were you required to have a yellow fever immunization/certification?

 

There is a passing reference to "including but not limited to certification of yellow fever vaccination" in the travel documentation section of my cruise documents for our upcoming Jewel cruise on November 20. I called RCCL and they say I do not need this immunization (so why mention it???). I have tried to call the CDC and keep getting disconnected because my hold time "times-out" because they are overwhelmed with H1N1 inquiries. I have checked the CDC website and the print is very, very tiny...but it suggests that Costa Rica requires the yellow fever vaccination for travelers coming from Colombia (perhaps this is only for residents of Colombia??).

 

Just looking for recent travelers' experiences. I will continue seeking factual medical advice. Thanks.

[Sue L]

you do NOT needed it.

[waf125]

I will second what Sue said; we were on Jewel in Dec., 2008 for the 11 night PC cruise and followed your itinerary. We did NOT need a yellow fever vaccination.

 

Hope that helps! :)

[globalwife]

I have never been on your cruise itinerary but wanted to chime in. I am a US citizen but live in Colombia (not a resident though) and travel alot from here. Often what the law says about needing the yellow fever in other countries when coming from here is not enforced but if there is an increase in yellow fever cases, most likely they are going to ask you for your proof. Once you get it, it is good for 10 years and if your cruise is going to Santa Marta, Colombia it is a good idea to have it anyhow.

[Gracie115]

It is NOT necessary...but we got one anyway for exact same cruise....it was easy, went to local health dept...and like a previous poster said it's good for 10 years.

[cb at sea]

No vaccinations for cruisers needed. You won't be ashore long enough to encounter any diseases. If you were camping in the "wilds" of one of these countries for a week, then yes, you should get shots. For cruising, NOPE!

[Cruisebylandorsea]

Took first excursion off ship in Panama and saw numerous mosquitoes. We were thankful to have gone through the hassle with our medical insurance to get and take Larium as a preventative.

 

Do not know about yellow fever.

[NorbertsNiece]

As previous posters have said it is NOT a requirement however in the UK it was strongly recommended to us that we do have it along with the suggestion that we not be ashore after 5/6pm.....

[billscruiser]

We will be on the same cruise. Have you signed up for the Meet & Mingle? We have done this cruise several times (just last May) and did not need any special shots. We are only in Cartegana for about five hours. Costa Rica, all day. But have traveled there often and never knew one was suggested. Come over to the Roll Call and get acquainted. See you in 24 days!!!!:D:D

 

Kathryn

[C U Onboard]

The WHO suggest a valid international certificate of vaccination is usually only required if you are arriving from infected areas or from countries with infected areas.

[jasmith52]

Just because youe may not be REQUIRED to get a vacination...

 

Doesn't mean that it isn't a vey good idea to get one.

 

The downside of this is to contract yellow fever and be in a heap of trouble.