Travel Vaccines and Advice for Antigua and Barbuda
The country of Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean nation made of two islands. Located in the West Indies, it is a part of the “Leeward Islands,” group. Antigua and Barbuda is known for its sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Antigua and Barbuda?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Antigua and Barbuda
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Antigua and Barbuda?
How Is the Climate in Antigua and Barbuda?
Is Antigua and Barbuda Safe?
Visiting St. John’s Saturday Morning Market
What Should I Pack for Antigua and Barbuda?
Canadian Embassy in Bridgetown
Do I Need Vaccines for Antigua and Barbuda?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Antigua and Barbuda. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Antigua and Barbuda: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Antigua and Barbuda |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Antigua and Barbuda |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a contagious liver infection. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Preventive measures include vaccination, good hygiene, and avoiding raw shellfish. The hepatitis A vaccine is highly effective, requiring two doses for long-term protection.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Rabies is prevalent in bats in Antigua and Barbuda. If you are going to be do any hiking or other outdoor excursion it is recommended you receive this vaccine.
Dengue is a risk in the country. Make sure you bring and use mosquito repellents or netting.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy In Antigua and Barbuda
Prevent Bug Bites in Antigua and Barbuda
Guard against bug bites by wearing appropriate clothing and applying repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. When bitten, clean the area, resist scratching, and relieve itching with over-the-counter solutions. In severe cases, promptly seek medical assistance.
Food and Water Safety in Antigua and Barbuda
When travelling, ensure food safety by adhering to PHAC recommendations, which include eating fully cooked foods, avoiding raw seafood, and selecting reputable dining places. Safely drink bottled beverages, avoiding ice in uncertain water sources, and consume alcohol in moderation. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea through hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary areas.
Do I Need a Visa to Go to Antigua and Barbuda?
A passport is required for entry to Antigua and Barbuda. A visa is not required for stays under 180 days.
Proof of return travel arrangements may be required at entry.
Antigua and Barbuda Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Antigua and Barbuda? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Proof of return travel arrangements may be required at entry.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
How Is the Climate in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda’s climate is warm and dry. The temperatures range from 20 to 35.
October to January are the hottest months of the year. But, they are not unbearable thanks to the cooling southern winds.
June through November are known as the rainy months. Daily rain showers are not uncommon. The islands are also located in a hurricane zone making tropical storms and hurricanes a risk.
Is Antigua and Barbuda Safe?
Antigua and Barbuda are generally safe for travellers. But, it’s still important to take some precautions to ensure your safety.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area, and avoid walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit areas, and keep your valuables secure. Use licensed taxis to get around, and be careful when swimming by watching out for rip currents and other hazards.
Remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen, especially since it can get quite hot in Antigua and Barbuda. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to these beautiful islands.
Visiting St. John’s Saturday Morning Market
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
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Get protected with Passport Health’s
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This market is a trademark of the island where vendors from all over come to sell a wide-variety of goods. The market gets very crowded so it is best to go in the morning to give yourself plenty of time.
It also has plenty of food stands which offer breakfast and lunch. Be careful what you eat and where you eat it from as food contamination is a common cause of illness. Consider bringing a travellers’ diarrhea kit with you to avoid problems.
The market is a bustling place full of vibrant colors and spirits where both travellers and natives can gather together to experience the best of what Antigua has to offer.
What Should I Pack for Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda is a magical place to visit. But, its important to make sure you have everything with you to have a safe and fun trip. Some key items include:
- Lightweight cotton clothing to help keep cool in the heat.
- Small backpack or other bag for carrying necessities while on an excursion or on the beach.
- A rain jacket and waterproof shoes in case of an unexpected shower.
- Comfortable walking shoes if you plan on going hiking or walking around in the city.
- Hand sanitizer and hand sanitizer wipes are helpful. Bring these with you whenever you use any public facilities or are in public markets.
- Insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites and Zika.
Canadian Embassy in Bridgetown
The Canadian Embassy is able to help those who have been the victim of crimes. They are able to help you find medical care, contact relatives back home, and assist you with working with local police. To better prepare consider purchasing travellers’ insurance.
While there is no embassy in Antigua and Barbuda, the nearest embassy is in Bridgetown, Barbados.
High Commission of Canada in Barbados
Bishop’s Court Hill / PO Box 404
St. Michael BB 11113
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 629-3550
Fax: (246) 437-7436
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Antigua and Barbuda
“I have been to to your offices before on a trip last year and decided to use you guys again the last experience was great. I had an appointment with a nurse yesterday and she was fantastic. I am travelling to Antigua in April and she was very knowledgeable on what I needed, when I needed and how. I got my vaccinations yesterday as well and I’m a person who is deathly afraid of needles and she made the experience for me easy and comfortable. Overall my experience was fantastic and i would be returning again for my next trip. I would also recommend your company to other people!”
“The Registered Nurse was very thorough and knowledgeable. Me and my family were surprised with all the new information when traveling abroad. It was a great learning experience for all of us, to know what to be careful about in Barbuda. The RN has the vaccinations and travel medications (e.g.: anti-diarrhea, antibiotics) on hand. A great thing, is that you can get your travel shots up to date with the RN, before you go on vacation. I was actually referred to this travel clinic from a public health centre. The experience was great, and we would definitely come back for our next vacation to make sure we got all our vaccinations! =)”
“All relevant health information regarding my trip to Antigua and Barbuda was given very clearly – as well as risks and what-to-do-in-worst-case-scenarios in each location I am visiting. While a lot of options were given to me, I never once felt pressured to get an immunization that I didn’t want. The nurse was SO personable/knowledgeable/very prepared for all questions and I barely felt a thing when actually getting the immunizations. Definitely coming back here next time I travel!”
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