Do I need to get vaccinated (shots for tetnus, malaria etc.) before I go to Cancun?

Question

Im going to cancun on my honeymoon and we will be going on a couple excursions into the jungle to see some of the mayan ruins (nothing too major) and I was wondering whether or not we needed to get vaccinated for tetnus, hepatitis A/B, malaria etc. before we go. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

It is suggested for you to get your Hep A/B ( it is called Twinrex) and it is expensive. Doctors are 50/50 one this one know because the shots aren't always effective.
I would up date your tentnus and diptheria. Malaria is not big over there. I did not worry about it and I have been to Cancun three times. Check with your local health unit they will be up to date aswell.
I would suggest going to Xel-ha it is awsome!!! Shopping is good any day but thursdays. Too many cruise ships.. Take a trip down to 5th ave and go to the venders to shop it is safe and cheaper.
You can also go to Cozumel for a day trip. Take American money it is taken anywhere you go, and it is easy to convert. 50 p is 5 dollars american 100 p is 10 dollars american.
You and your soon to be wife are going to love it. I miss it already.

Answer 2

We just returned from Cancun in February, and I miss it already... sighhhhhh...

Anyway, as long as you've had a tetanus booster within the last 10 years, then you've got no worries there. The only thing I would suggest, which we did, is get vacinated for Hepatitus A & B. We opted for the combo shots, (Twinrix Hep A&B together). The scheduling for that is one shot, then one month later a second shot, and finally, at 6 months, your third shot. You are 99.5% protected against Hep A&B after your second shot (And even over 90% protection after just getting that first shot), so it's something you may wish to consider. We knew we'd be drinking and eating some of the local foods, so we just wanted to make sure we were protected. Look into it and make an informed decision - I'm glad we did.

Have fun and congratulations on your impending nuptials!!

Answer 3

No need to have any shots before going to Cancun. Your booster for tentanus you should get every 10 years.

What you need to be careful with is getting traveler's diarrhea. Drink bottle water and watch what you eat off the buffets sitting out there for a long time. Bring Imodium with you.

Have a great vacation.

Answer 4

I was in that area a few years ago and did not have to get any shots; I would guess your goinf to Chichenitza? Excellent vacation; warning, It will be hot and humid, even in March-April. Take lots of water.
You can also buy many items just outside the Ruins at a fraction of the cost you might pay near that area. LPook for the little kids hawking stuff.

Have fun

Answer 5

I have been there a few times and always make plans to get to one of the ruins ... and I have never gotten shots for the trip. I am guessing you are going to Chichin-Itza, Tulum, or Coba? They are all wonderful. Unfortunately they do not let you climb up to the top of Chichin-Itza anymore, but as of last October they were still letting everyone climb up to the top at Coba. Make sure you have bug spray and lots of water (place a bottle or two in the freezer the night before you go so you have cold water for the day).

Enjoy!

Answer 6

You don't need any extra vaccination that the regular ones you already have for visiting anywhere in Mexico. Mexico, specially cities like Cancun, are very clean. Most of the diseases you are worried about are almost inexistant in Mexico.

Answer 7

Tetnus vaccinations are good for 10 years just make sure yours is up to date. I didn't do more than that.

Answer 8

I always keep my vaccinations up to date. Better to be safe then sorry.

=)

Have fun