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Costa Rica

Find Out What Vaccinations You Need For

Costa Rica is a small Central American country that is a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure, nature, and relaxation. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, Costa Rica offers a range of activities such as surfing, zip-lining, hiking, and wildlife watching. The country is also home to several national parks and reserves, including the famous Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano National Park. Visitors can enjoy delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and tropical fruits, and experience the friendly and welcoming culture of the Costa Rican people. With its warm climate, beautiful scenery, and endless opportunities for adventure, Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Routine Immunizations

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before traveling. Note that many vaccines that are now considered "routine" were not available until recent decades so you may not have received them at all, depending on your age and other factors. Here are a few specific vaccines we would like to call your attention to:

  1. Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.

  2. Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.

  3. Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis B was not part of the routine immunization schedule in the U.S. until 1995 and hepatitis A did not become a part of routine childhood immunizations until 2006. So if you were born before 2005 you may need one or both of these vaccines. Many people opt for Hep A only because it is commonly spread through food and water, but Hep B spread through blood and other body fluids is essential too--especially if you find yourself in an under-resourced hospital in the developing world.

  4. Polio: There is currently a global outbreak of polio and the U.S. CDC is recommending adults who have been fully immunized as children get a single life-time booster as an adult before traveling to many global destinations. The CDC's list of polio outbreak countries is constantly updating so check the CDC's polio list to see if your destination is on the list. 

Infants, 6 to 11 months old should receive one dose of MMR and Hepatitis A prior to visiting Costa Rica. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.

Costa Rica Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Talk to a travel health specialist

At Away Clinic we specialize in getting travelers ready for their trips to the world's most exotic destinations. We would be glad to assist you at the following locations:

To set up an appointment, see our self-scheduling page, call us at (480) 712-8865‬, or email us

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