Travel Vaccines and Advice for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are home to gold, black, and white sandy beaches with nine inhabited islands. Fried jackfish and roasted breadfruit is their national dish and their national bird is the Amazona Guildingi.
The capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is Kingstown – it is also known as “The City of Arches” as it has more than 400 arches in it!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
How Safe are Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Take the Trek Up the La Soufriere Volcano
What Should I Pack for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
U.S. Embassy for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Do I Need Vaccines for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 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 –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - 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 Vincent and the Grenadines |
||
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 | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
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 Vincent and the Grenadines |
||
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, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when traveling to endemic areas.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It’s typically spread through contaminated food or water. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective immunization that protects against the virus, usually given in two shots for long-term prevention.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, spread by infected mosquitoes, can be prevented through mosquito bite prevention and vaccination. The chikungunya vaccine is considered the best form of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies, a fatal viral illness, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Prevention centers on vaccination, with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) necessary after possible exposure and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommended for individuals with increased risk, such as travelers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a vital tool in the prevention of this liver infection, recommended for all travelers and essential for healthcare workers and those at higher risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent outbreaks.
Dengue and Zika are present in the area. Be sure to use repellents and netting. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consider avoiding travel to the area.
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 Vincent and the Grenadines
Prevent Bug Bites in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Bug bite prevention strategies involve wearing appropriate clothing and utilizing EPA-approved repellents such as DEET or picaridin, as suggested by the CDC. Stay cautious during peak bug activity periods, clean the affected area, refrain from scratching, and consider over-the-counter remedies while promptly consulting a healthcare professional for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Infections To Be Aware of in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- African Tick-Bite Fever – Protect against African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) by wearing long sleeves, applying insect repellent, and regularly inspecting for ticks. Consult healthcare experts for guidance when planning trips to affected regions.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, caused by Aedes mosquito bites, poses a significant global health risk. Preventative measures, including avoiding mosquito bites, are crucial due to the lack of direct antiviral treatments.
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by infected mosquitoes and through sexual contact, can result in birth defects. Preventing Zika involves using insect repellent, safe sexual practices, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
You do not need a visa to travel to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. There are also no currency restrictions for entry or exit.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and U.S. State Department
You will need a passport valid on your entry date with a blank page in it for an entry stamp.
What Is the Climate Like in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have a tropical climate with warm-hot temperatures all year. Temperatures stay in the 80’s almost all year long. The ocean and trade winds keep the weather even, though humidity is much stronger in the summer. Nights are also cooler from December to April.
Dry season for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is during the winter and early spring. The rainy season is during the Summer with the hurricane season following.
How Safe are Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are a popular destination. While generally safe, there are some things to consider.
Don’t leave valuables unattended. Take precautions to avoid pickpockets and other petty crime.
Many roads in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are not in good condition. While driving you may encounter drivers who stop in the middle of the road without warning. You may also deal with slow and heavy equipment and wandering animals.
Take the Trek Up the La Soufriere Volcano
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Experienced hikers can climb Saint Vincent’s incredible La Soufriere volcano. Hike right up to the crater’s edge and experience the unique adventure of the Rabacca trail. You must reserve a tour guide to trek and be prepared for a full day of activity.
Those who take on the challenge can see a view of the active lava center of the crater. The last eruption of La Soufriere was 1979.
There are many other trails for easier or shorter hikes.
What Should I Pack for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Think ahead on what to pack by perusing these suggestions:
- Light Clothes – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can be hot due to their tropical climate. Be sure to pack for the time of year and the activities you wish to do. Consider items such as sunscreen, water-protective gear, and bathing suits.
- Medical Kit – First-aid kit items are always good to have when abroad. Consider bringing a travelers’ diarrhea kit as well.
- Bug Repellent – Be sure to bring repellents to avoid any mosquito-borne diseases.
- Travel Documents – Be sure to bring you passport and a photocopy in case it is lost or stolen.
U.S. Embassy for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
All Americans visiting Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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.
There is no embassy on the islands, but the Barbados embassy serves the area.
U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Phone: (246) 227-4000
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for St. Vincent and the Grenadines
“I went on for final series shots. Had quick visit but enjoyed telling about my visit to St. Vincent with nurse.”
“Prior to traveling to the Grenadines, I visited Passport Health for my vaccinations. The staff was friendly, and well prepared to answer all my questions. Also, I received a detailed booklet personalized for my travel itinerary.”