As a visitor to Costa Rica, you might be interested in exploring the diverse culture or ecosystems from rainforests to volcanoes. You may also be interested in more outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, surfing at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, or even snorkeling and scuba diving the crystal clear waters.
With so many choices, you want to stay safe and know what travel vaccinations are recommended before you visit.
Do you need Vaccines to travel to Costa Rica?
Yes. The CDC recommends the following vaccines if you are traveling to Costa Rica. Some are recommended however some may be required. The vaccinations include Chickenpox, Meningitis, Pneumonia, TDAP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis), Flu (Influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, Shingles, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
Recommended Travel Vaccines for Costa Rica
| Recommended Travel Vaccine | Vaccine Details |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | It is recommended that all travelers be up to date with their COVID-19 Vaccine, whether it be first, second, or booster shots. |
| Hepatitis A | The CDC recommends the Hepatitis A vaccination to travelers of all ages. Please call for specifics. |
| Hepatitis B | The CDC recommends the Hepatitis B vaccination to travelers of all ages. |
| Rabies | A Rabies vaccine would be necessary if you were planning to be around dogs or wildlife. Rabid dogs are common in many countries. Reference the above map to verify. |
| Typhoid | The Typhoid Vaccine is recommended to the majority of travelers. |
| Yellow Fever | 9 months or older, traveling to Africa or South America |
Routine Vaccines when traveling to South Africa
| Routine Vaccines | Vaccine Details |
|---|---|
| Chickenpox | The CDC recommends that children under the age of 13 have 2 doses as long as the second does is 3 months after the first dose. If over 13, get doses at least 28 days apart. |
| TDAP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) | It is recommended that everyone get the TDAP vaccine according to the CDC. |
| Flu (influenza) | Based on CDC recommendations, anyone 6 months or older should receive the flu vaccine. |
| Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) | The CDC recommends a dose of the MMR Vaccine to infants from 6 to 11 months that are traveling. |
| Polio | The CDC recommends Polio Vaccines in booster doses to adults who received their initial shot as a child. The series is recommended for those that are unvaccinated or do not know their vaccination status. |
| Shingles | The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for adults ages 50 years and older and the doses should be given 2 to 6 months apart. |
| Meningitis | Recommended for any individual who does not have the vaccination and or are considered a risk. |
| Pneumonia | There are multiple types of pneumonia vaccines meant to protect against pneumococcal disease. Review each vaccine on the CDC website. |
