Antigua and Barbuda
WHAT VACCINES DO I NEED FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA In 2024
The Government of Canada and the CDC recommend the following vaccines for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda In 2024: Traveler’s Diarrhea, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Flu, COVID-19, Typhoid fever.
Located in the Caribbean Sea, Antigua and Barbuda is composed of two main islands and several nearby small islets. Welcome to paradise! The islands’ sheltered bays, which once provided refuge to pirates and European navigators, offer gorgeous landscapes. Visitors will find in Antigua and Barbuda all the treasures the Caribbean have to offer : white sand beaches, rows of palm trees, crystal clear waters and nearly untouched coral reefs. The colonial past of Antigua and Barbuda, once home to British settlers accompanied by African slaves, results today in a unique culture, singular blend of cricket and calypso music.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Risk of Zika in this Country. Learn More >>
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating” |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| African Tick Bite Fever | Could be present. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine |
A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
MEDICAL CARE
Antigua and Barbuda’s health care system is among the best in the Lesser Antilles. Antigua has a public hospital (the Holberton Hospital) and a private clinic (the Private Medical Clinic Adelin), both located in St John’s. Several small community health care centers are also found in the archipelago, as well as numerous general practitioners and specialists. The medical equipment is usually of adequate quality. Be aware that most of the time, you will have to pay your medical expenses in cash, before care is provided to you. In the event of a scuba diving accident, you will be evacuated to the neighboring Guadeloupe, as there is no decompression chamber in Antigua and Barbuda.
In case of emergency, call 911. You can also reach the Holberton Hospital at (+1) (268) 462 0251.
Good quality medicines are found in Antigua and Barbuda, but don’t forget to bring your own well filled medical kit.
SECURITY ABROAD
Hurricane Irma swept Antigua and Barbuda as a major hurricane on September 6, 2017.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 999 / 911 for emergency assistance.
