Caribbean Travel Vaccines: What Every Calgary Traveller Should Know

The Caribbean and Mexico are Calgary's favourite warm-weather escapes — millions of Canadians fly to Cancun, Varadero, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, and beyond every year. And while these destinations feel familiar and resort-safe, travel health preparation is still essential. At Imagine Health Pharmacy & Travel Clinic in SW Calgary, we help hundreds of Calgarians prepare for Caribbean vacations every season. Here's what you need to know — regardless of which island or country you're visiting.

Hepatitis A: The Universal Caribbean Recommendation

If there's one travel vaccine that applies to virtually every Caribbean and Mexican destination, it's Hepatitis A. This food and waterborne illness is present throughout the region and has caused outbreaks even at major resort properties. The vaccine is safe, highly effective, and provides:

• Immediate protection starting 2 weeks after the first dose
• A second dose 6–12 months later provides lifetime immunity
• No significant side effects for most people

Whether you're going to Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic, Hepatitis A vaccine is our top recommendation. Even at all-inclusive resorts.

Typhoid: Essential for Off-Resort Travellers

Typhoid fever is present throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, spread through contaminated food and water. While the risk is lower for travellers who stay exclusively within all-inclusive resort grounds, it is still recommended if you plan to:

• Eat at local restaurants, street food stalls, or paladares (Cuba)
• Visit local markets, villages, or historic city centres
• Take day trips into the countryside or non-resort areas
• Visit friends or family in residential settings

Typhoid vaccine is available as a single injection (Typhim Vi) that protects for 3 years, or as oral capsules (Vivotif) taken over several days. Our pharmacists will help you choose the right option.

Destination-Specific Considerations

While core recommendations are consistent across the Caribbean, some destinations have additional considerations:

• Dominican Republic and Haiti — Malaria is present in parts of the DR (particularly western provinces) and is widespread in Haiti. Anti-malarial medication is recommended for travellers to Haiti and some rural DR areas. Cholera has also been an ongoing issue in Haiti.
• Dominican Republic and Cuba — Dengue fever is common; use insect repellent during daylight hours even at resorts.
• Mexico — Risk varies enormously by region: Cancun/Riviera Maya (lower risk) vs. rural Oaxaca, Chiapas, or jungle areas (higher risk for malaria, dengue, and GI illness).
• Jamaica — Relatively low malaria risk for resort visitors, but dengue is present. Cholera has been reported.

General Caribbean Travel Health Tips

• Water: Drink bottled water everywhere — at resorts, in cities, in restaurants. Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
• Food: Cooked food served hot is generally safe; raw fruits and vegetables carry more risk if washed in tap water.
• Sun: UV index is extreme year-round in the tropics. SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapplied every 2 hours, is essential.
• Insects: DEET 30%+ repellent during daylight hours (dengue) and evening hours (malaria where applicable).
• Traveller's diarrhea: Pack a treatment kit. Our pharmacists can prescribe an antibiotic (Azithromycin) and advise on when to use it.

One Stop in SW Calgary Before Any Caribbean Trip

Preparing for a Caribbean trip at Imagine Health Pharmacy takes one free 20-minute consultation. No doctor's referral, no extra trips — we handle everything including vaccines, prescriptions, and travel health documentation in a single visit. Whether you're flying to Cancun next week or planning a multi-island Caribbean cruise next winter, we're here to help. Book your free appointment today.