Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Caribbean and Northern America
The Caribbean and Northern America offer a wide variety of experiences for all kinds of travelers. From the snows of Greenland to the beaches of Jamaica, there is something for everyone.
Passport Health offers all the vaccinations and medications you may need to travel safely throughout the region. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.
Countries in this region include:
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
Bonaire
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti
Jamaica
Martinique
Montserrat
Puerto Rico
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin / Sint Maarten
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sint Eustatius
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands
United States Virgin Islands
What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America?
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to the Caribbean and Northern America: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever and rabies.
Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap), influenza, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, meningitis and polio.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travelers, based on the countries they have recently visited.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Caribbean and Northern America |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
May be recommended based on your specific itinerary. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito-borne | May be recommended or required for some regions. |
| Rabies | Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Recommended Routine Vaccinations for the Caribbean and Northern America |
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| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) | Wounds or Airborne |
One adult booster of pertussis recommended for most travelers. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Generally recommended for all travelers. Vaccine components change annually. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact or Airborne |
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Recommended for individuals 50+. Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | All individuals 65+ or immunocompromised should receive this vaccine. |
| Meningitis | Airborne or Direct Contact |
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Contaminated Food or Water |
Generally considered a routine vaccination. Single adult booster recommended. |
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Caribbean and North America
“This was an awesome experience. Our nurse was extremely knowledgeable offered options and suggestions on the shots I needed for each region in North America and was just a pleasure to deal with.”
“Had to get vaccines for a last minute trip to the Caribbean and was able to squeeze in an appointment. Eddie seemed very knowledgable and personable – answering questions and sharing in our excitement for our upcoming travel. Liked that we were able to get needed malaria pills on premise.”
“The staff was kind and friendly. They listened to me and answered all my questions. Very efficient and easy process getting ready for travel throughout the Americas.”
“My experience with the travel health clinic was positive. Staff were knowledgeable about the Caribbean, friendly, efficient and punctual. It was painless.”
“I always get outstanding service. Thank you very much for going above and beyond.”
“Far exceeded my expectations. The RN had prepared and printed a detailed listing of information based on my travel plans to the Caribbean. All potential medical issues were explained in detail, written for my review and a medical immunization plan was prepared and started that day.”
“My vaccination appointment was handled in a timely fashion by a very pleasant professional. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes.”
“My nurse was fantastic. She was very informative on the Caribbean a and has a way of making everything feel calm. I will definitely come back to this clinic!”
“The nurse was professional, personable, knowledgeable, and thorough. I learned a lot about Caribbean travel and feel prepared for my upcoming trip.”
“I was seen immediately. My nurse was friendly, informative and professional. I received quick and painless shots. Very smooth. Can’t wait for my Caribbean trip.”
Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America?
A few different types of infections are present in the Caribbean and Northern America region.
Dengue, Zika and malaria are found in various parts of the region. Most cases are in the Caribbean but some infections can be found in the Southern United States. Be sure to take precautions with mosquito repellents and netting. Your Passport Health travel health specialist can advise you on the need for antimalarials.
Travelers’ diarrhea can affect travelers to any region. Be sure to have a travelers’ diarrhea prevention kit with you for your trip.
What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America?
Visas are only required for a few countries within the Caribbean and Northern America region. Passports are required to travel to all regions. While U.S. travelers may not necessarily need a passport for destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, having one is recommended.
See the below table for more information:
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for My Trip? |
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| Passport | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Required Vaccinations |
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| Anguilla |  |
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| Antigua and Barbuda | |
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| Aruba | |
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| Bahamas | |
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| Barbados | |
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| Bermuda | |
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| Bonaire | |
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| Cuba | |
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| Curaçao | |
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| Dominica | |
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| Dominican Republic | |
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| Greenland | |
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| Grenada | |
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| Guadeloupe | |
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| Haiti | |
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| Jamaica | |
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| Martinique | |
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| Montserrat | |
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| Puerto Rico | |
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| Saba | |
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| Saint Barthélemy | |
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| Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
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| Saint Lucia | |
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| Saint Martin / Sint Maarten |
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| Saint Pierre and Miquelon |
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| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
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| Sint Eustatius | |
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| Trinidad and Tobago | |
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| Turks and Caicos Islands | |
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| U.S. Virgin Islands | |
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Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.
Traveling to Another Destination?
Traveling outside of the Caribbean and Northern America? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for the Caribbean and Northern America?
Are There Other Health Concerns in the Caribbean and Northern America?
What Are the Entry Requirements in the Caribbean and Northern America?
Traveling to Another Destination?
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