Puerto Rico (U.S.)
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. As a U.S. territory, travelers from the U.S. do not need a passport to visit and can use U.S. currency. The island offers a variety of activities, from exploring the colonial architecture of Old San Juan to hiking in the lush El Yunque rainforest. Foodies will enjoy the local cuisine, which blends Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. Puerto Rico is also a popular destination for water sports, such as surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse attractions, Puerto Rico is a great destination for travelers looking for a tropical getaway without leaving the U.S.
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:
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Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.
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Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.
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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.
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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 Puerto Rico (U.S.). This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.
Puerto Rico (U.S.) 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.
