Vaccinations and Travel Health Advice for Mexico
Do I Need Vaccinations for Mexico?
Public Health Agency of Canada and WHO recommend that all Canadians should receive the appropriate vaccinations and health advise prior to arriving in Mexico. These recommendations are also for travelers staying at deluxe hotels and resorts in Mexico as high-quality accommodations do not reduce the risk of some of the food-borne and water-borne diseases.
Travel Vaccines for Vaccine-preventable Disease in Mexico.
Hepatitis A
The virus is transmitted from food/water mostly. The vaccine is recommended for all travelers traveling to Mexico. Find out more about hepatitis A by clicking here.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers against this food-borne and water-borne disease, particularly those staying outside the usual tourist areas or those with prolonged stays. Learn more about the typhoid disease here .
Influenza
Recommended for all travelers during influenza season which is from November through April.
Hepatitis B
The virus is transmitted through blood/bodily fluid contact. Low risk exists among the local population. Vaccination is highly recommended for specific high-risk travellers (sport, adventure, tattooing, sexual contact with a new partner, medical procedures) or those with prolonged stay. Consult with one of our medical practitioners for your specific risk.
Rabies
Widespread risk exists from wildlife and domestic animals. Generally, the rabies vaccine is recommended for those specific travelers such as
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animal workers and veterinarians
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those likely to have contact with bats, adventure travelers
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Adventure travelers or those trekking in wilderness
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Visitors to rural areas
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Prolonged stay.
Routine Vaccinations
All travelers should ensure that they are up-to-date with their routine immunizations. Some of these vaccines include:
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
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Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
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Measle-Mumps-Rubella ( MMR )
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Pneumococcal ( for adults aged > 65years and all adults with chronic diseases or immunocompromising conditions.
Yellow Fever
​There is no risk of Yellow Fever disease in Mexico. An official certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for entry into Mexico. If you are travelling to Mexico from a different country than Canada, please consult with one of our experts to find out if you need proof of YF vaccination.
Malaria Risk in Mexico
There is no or negligible risk of malaria in most parts of Mexico. Travelers travelling to Mexico City and all other major resort locations along the Pacific and Gulf/Caribbean coasts need not to be worried about malaria. If you are travelling to certain rural areas in Mexico, you may need to take a preventative antimalarial medication. Talk to a TravelVAX specialist to see if you should be taking antimalarial medications for your trip.
Travelers’ Diarrhea
High risk exists for all travelers, including in deluxe accommodations. Traveler’s diarrhea affects up to 50% of travelers. Food and beverage precautions should be observed. Travelers are recommended to carry self-treatment medications for treatment of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. TravelVAX may provide you with self-treatment medications in case you experience the issue during your trip.
High Altitude
Altitude illnesses could be a major problem for travelers ascending to over 2000 meters altitude. If you are arriving at high altitude, it is very important to be well-informed about acclimatization and preventative measures. In addition to precautionary measures, most individuals should take preventative medication. Talk to a travel health practitioner to see if you will be at high altitude at any points during your stay and about all the measures you can take to prevent an altitude illness.
Medical Care
Altitude illnesses could be a major problem for travelers ascending to over 2000 meters altitude. If you are arriving at high altitude, it is very important to be well-informed about acclimatization and preventative measures. In addition to precautionary measures, most individuals should take preventative medication. Talk to a travel health practitioner to see if you will be at high altitude at any points during your stay and about all the measures you can take to prevent an altitude illness.
Insect-Borne Diseases
Risk of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika exists in Mexico. Risk varies seasonally. There is greater risk of these diseases in urban and suburban areas than rural regions. Traveler’s specific risk depends on factors such as specific areas of stay, length of stay, type of trip, activities involved, and etc. and should be discussed with one of our TravelVAX practitioner. It is very important that travelers observe insect precautions as there are currently no vaccines available against these diseases. Our Travel health practitioners will provide you with complete instructions on general protective measures and the selection and use of an insect repellent.
Safety and Security in Mexico
High risk of violent crime exists throughout most of the country and travelers should visit Travel.gc.ca before and during visit to a high-risk area. Travelers who spend time outside resort areas, should be aware of surroundings and take every precautionary measure to avoid crimes and theft. For updated and comprehensive safety tips on Mexico, travelers are highly encouraged to visit Travel.gc.ca.