joeyjpaul Posted October 22, 2015 #1 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Hello, We are going to be on the Carnival Pride in Feb/Mar out of Baltimore going to Cape Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport with kids 10,8,8 and 5. Do we need any travel vaccinations? The kids doctor recommended Hepatitis A and B vaccines along with one for travelers diarrhea. We will only be in the Bahamas for 10 hours, and we don't plan to eat at any local establishments. (Hiring a private snorkeling boat in Nassau and doing to dolphin excursion in Freeport). Any suggestions? What have other people done. We are from Canada, so travel Vaccines is one of the few things that our medicare doesn't cover. Joey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 22, 2015 #2 Share Posted October 22, 2015 What others have done is less important than what you personal physician recommends. (S)he knows what is best for your children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitty9 Posted October 22, 2015 #3 Share Posted October 22, 2015 I've cruised the Caribbean at least 50 times, and have taken land trips to the Bahamas at least three times, and never needed shots of any kind. If you were doing something in more exotic places, like Brazil or Vietnam or India, then I'd say go for it, but the Caribbean has become more like the US and Canada. But, if you or your kids have existing health issues, then talk to your personal physicians. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted October 22, 2015 #4 Share Posted October 22, 2015 (edited) This question has been asked many times and you will get lots of opinions. But in the end, you should not be asking here because very few of us are medical professionals and we do not know your health or the health of your family. Rather I would think through what the doctor has recommended. In the end if you respect the doctor that would be the person to listen to. Keith Edited October 22, 2015 by Keith1010 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted October 22, 2015 #5 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Normally vaccinations are not required in the Caribbean, however Hep A & B are often a good idea. That said I would not rely on information provided on Cruise Critic, talk to your doctor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPT Trips Posted October 22, 2015 #6 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Just wondering - did you check whether the Hep A & B are covered as regular vaccines as opposed to travel vaccines. If you did not already get it, flu vaccine is a good one to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cherylandtk Posted October 22, 2015 #7 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Joey, Hep b is a recommended childhood vaccination in Canada, not just a traveler immunization, so it should be covered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted October 22, 2015 #8 Share Posted October 22, 2015 None are required always good to make sure your tetanus shots are up to date ask your doctor what is best for your family you should have no problem eating ashore in a restaurant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted October 22, 2015 #9 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Again, consult with your doctor. If you trust your doctor go with the suggestions. If you don't, find another doctor. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zqvol Posted October 22, 2015 #10 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Hello, We are going to be on the Carnival Pride in Feb/Mar out of Baltimore going to Cape Canaveral, Nassau and Freeport with kids 10,8,8 and 5. Do we need any travel vaccinations? The kids doctor recommended Hepatitis A and B vaccines along with one for travelers diarrhea. We will only be in the Bahamas for 10 hours, and we don't plan to eat at any local establishments. (Hiring a private snorkeling boat in Nassau and doing to dolphin excursion in Freeport). Any suggestions? What have other people done. We are from Canada, so travel Vaccines is one of the few things that our medicare doesn't cover. Joey You answered your own question when you told us what your physician recommends. I would check with the physician as to why they think those are required. They are certainly not something that US physicians recommend as a matter of course, but your physician knows your health status and that may explain why the recommendation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted October 22, 2015 #11 Share Posted October 22, 2015 I just want to add that food in restaurants is just as safe in Nassau as anywhere U.S.A. Use common sense. Don't eat from street carts etc but by all means take the kids for a nice lunch ashore, if you wish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted October 22, 2015 #12 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Will you not be eating all day when ashore or on your tour?? That would lead to some cranky people :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floridiana Posted October 22, 2015 #13 Share Posted October 22, 2015 There is a vaccine for travellers' diarreah? I have never heard of it before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted October 22, 2015 #14 Share Posted October 22, 2015 There is a vaccine for travellers' diarreah? I have never heard of it before. Dukoral Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted October 22, 2015 #15 Share Posted October 22, 2015 (edited) No vaccinations are required by any of those countries or the cruise line. As far as eating ashore....these are tourist destinations...they will not take the chance of making the folks who bring in the money sick! You are fine eating or drinking in the Bahamas. Edited October 22, 2015 by cb at sea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted October 22, 2015 #16 Share Posted October 22, 2015 Joey,Hep b is a recommended childhood vaccination in Canada, not just a traveler immunization, so it should be covered. Each province in Canada administers the Health Plan with large cash infusion from the feds and therefor each province determines what is covered and what is not. I believe in BC Hep B is offered free to infants and to those who don't take advantage of that it is offered again in in the 6th grade; after that in most instances we pay. However, it could be different in the OPs province. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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