Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the Caribbean in both population and land area. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty of beauty and sights to offer. Some highlights include African green monkeys, music festivals and a mile-wide volcanic crater.
The water dividing Saint Kitts and Nevis is called the Narrows since in several places it is only two miles wide.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis?
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
How Safe are Saint Kitts and Nevis?
See the Many Monkeys of Saint Kitts and Nevis
What Should I Pack for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
U.S. Embassy for Saint Kitts and Nevis
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saint Kitts and Nevis. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saint Kitts and Nevis: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, 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 travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers 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 Saint Kitts and Nevis |
||
| 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 travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Saint Kitts and Nevis |
||
| 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, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is primarily transmitted through tainted food and water. Protection against this disease involves vaccination combined with good hygiene and careful food consumption.
- 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.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, leads to fever and joint pain. Preventive measures like using repellent and wearing protective clothing are vital. Vaccination is considered the best form of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral infection, spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Timely vaccination is crucial to prevent the disease in humans. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
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 Saint Kitts and Nevis
Prevent Bug Bites in Saint Kitts and Nevis
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 Saint Kitts and Nevis
Stay healthy overseas by favoring cooked and hot dishes, reputable eateries, and practicing good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages and use caution with tap water. Enjoy hot drinks and alcohol responsibly. To steer clear of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these strategies: eat safe foods, drink treated water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be discerning about local cuisine.
Infections To Be Aware of in Saint Kitts and Nevis
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is a disease transmitted through tick bites in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and performing tick checks. Consult a healthcare professional before traveling to endemic areas.
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a significant global health concern. Symptoms can escalate from mild fever to life-threatening conditions. Preventing mosquito bites is key to avoidance, with recommendations including repellent and netting use.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, spreads through mosquito bites, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Preventive measures include using repellent, practicing safe sex, and removing mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Saint Kitts and Nevis?
A visa is not required for stays under 90 days in Saint Kitts and Nevis. A passport with at least six months’ validity is required.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saint Kitts and Nevis? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis have a hot, humid tropical climate with consistent temperatures. These are balanced by northeast trade winds and rainfall all year round.
Winters and summers are similar with highs in the 80’s. Nighttime temperatures are often cooler, especially for higher elevations on the islands.
The rainy season is from May to November. July to November is also the hurricane season. Hurricanes can be very violent for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
How Safe are Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a relatively safe region. But, there are still some things to be aware of. Don’t leave valuables unattended and take measure to avoid street crime.
Consider your safety before making the choice to enjoy a water sport or similar activity. This includes thinking about the weather and jet ski traffic, for example. Medical facilities in Saint Kitts and Nevis are lower than in developed nations. This includes a lack of hyperbaric chambers for decompression illness.
Hurricane season can affect Saint Kitts and Nevis during August and October especially. Be aware of the time you are going and check weather conditions.
See the Many Monkeys of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
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Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for its free-roaming monkeys. The African green monkeys have lived on the islands for more than 300 years. They were brought from Africa in the late 17th century.
Monkeys can sometimes be pests for the country. But, they are ingrained in the culture of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
It may be easy to see a monkey at your local beach bar or by stepping outside. But, for some quality monkey time try hiking on Monkey Hill, going to the Monkey Bar, or diving at Monkey Shoals. You can also consult travel guides for helpful information on good nature trails and tours.
What Should I Pack for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
If you’re planning a trip to Saint Kitts and Nevis, you should pack light and comfortable clothing, such as cotton or linen shirts, shorts, sundresses, and skirts, as the temperature is warm throughout the year.
Bring swimwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun. Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent on the islands, so pack insect repellent. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes or sandals are recommended for exploring the island’s attractions. Bring a refillable water bottle, cash, and a credit card for shopping and dining.
If you plan to explore the underwater world of Saint Kitts and Nevis, consider bringing your own snorkeling or diving gear. Bring an adapter if you’re coming from another country, as the electrical outlets in Saint Kitts and Nevis use a different voltage and plug type than most countries.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to bring face masks, hand sanitizer, and follow any other health and safety protocols set forth by the local government.
Check the latest travel advisories and requirements before packing.
U.S. Embassy for Saint Kitts and Nevis
All Americans visiting Saint Kitts and Nevis should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
While the islands do not have an embassy, the Barbados embassy serves the region:
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Saint Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 227-4000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Saint Kitts and Nevis
“I have been using Passport Health for my travel health needs for 5 years. The N.P. is always ready for me with immunization recommendations for the sometimes off-the-beaten-track countries I visit, and helpful with suggestions for dealing all kinds of health emergencies. Saint Kitts here we come!”
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