My son going to Belize to do a community project, will he need shots?

[Jillpie]

My son is a senior in college and will be going to Belize for his Spring break. In addition to working on a project, he'll be videoing and creating a documentary for future trips, so it's pretty exciting. Anyway, I haven't seen the details yet, but do you have any idea if this is a location where you need to get shots before you go? Thanks.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I would say "no". I spent 2 weeks there on my honeymoon, and i was ALL OVER the country. But he should DEFINITELY bring bug spray with LOTS of DEET.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I would guess that malaria pills might be recommended. I know they are for other countries in the vicinity. Check the CDC website, it has recommended immunizations for travel to different countries.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I would guess that malaria pills might be recommended. I know they are for other countries in the vicinity. Check the CDC website, it has recommended immunizations for travel to different countries.

At the time we went - 1999 - the recommendation was that they really weren't needed, but not discouraged.

We drank tap water there. We walked through the jungles. We tipped over in a canoe in a VERY muddy lake... we ate in the homes of the locals...I swam in the Monkey River.... we did just about everything possible that could make someone sick. But we came back just fine except for some welts from being bitten by bugs... and they were just fine within a week after coming home.

So, better safe than sorry, I guess. But I think you would be just fine.

 

[Poohlovr]

As of last fall, antimalarial drugs were recommended for travel anywhere in the country outside of Belize City.

Other than that, just make sure all of his regular (Hep A,Hep B, Typhoid, Measles, etc) immunizations are up to date.

As a pp said, he needs to have lots of bug spray with Deet. Some of our group had spray without Deet and got lots of bug bites. Those of us who used spray with Deet didn't have any.

Belize is a beautiful country. I hope he has time to see and enjoy the beauty of it.

 

[wdwmom2]

Call his doctor. Let him know EXACTLY where he is going. His doc will then let you know what he needs to stay safe.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Definitely look at www.cdc.gov under Traveler Information and then under Countries and then to Belize.

 

[jrmasm]

Call the Travel office of your local hospital.

 

[mickeyplanner08]

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belize.aspx

Here's the link for the CDC travel page for Belize. Your local health department may also offer travel immunizations.

Good luck!

 

[Jillpie]

Thank you everyone, very helpful!

 

[jrmasm]

Depends on your insurance but for my DD, her shots/meds were not covered.

 

[Papa Deuce]

BTW, many people don't know this, but English is spoken all over the country, as Belize used to be called "British Hondouras".

 

[Jillpie]

Depends on your insurance but for my DD, her shots/meds were not covered.

Yes, I did wonder if most insurance co covered the shots.