Travel

Vaccines and Medicines

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

Although rabies can be found in bats and other mammals in Costa Rica, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

• Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites or other animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
• People who will be working with or around animals (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).

There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission .

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Costa Rica. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.