Costa Rica vaccinations: which ones do you need?

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? Prepare your journey well as certain vaccinations are recommended. Even though not all vaccinations are mandatory, it is wise to get vaccinated in order to protect yourself against the infectious diseases that occur in this beautiful country.

Costa Rica is located in Central America and has various tropical climates. Due to the varying altitudes – the Central Andes runs right across the country – and the influences of the sea, Costa Rica has a great variety of microclimates. Which vaccinations you require, depends on the duration of your stay and on the places you plan to visit. For example, if you plan to continue your journey to South America, you may need addition vaccinations. This country in Central America is known for its beautiful coastal towns and volcanoes, its savage jungle and the many quiet, expansive beaches. Make sure you are aware of possible diseases and protect yourself against the fierce sun and mosquito bites – both dengue fever and malaria occur in Costa Rica. Our nurses will gladly inform you about the required immunisations and vaccines and are happy to provide advice about a healthy journey to Costa Rica. Click here to make an appointment (in Dutch) with one of our KLM Health Services nurses.

Costa Rica vaccinations: the most common risks

If you travel to Costa Rica, you run the risk of catching a (tropical) disease to which you are not resistant. Fortunately, vaccines can protect you and your children against these diseases. Our health experts have put together an overview of the most common health risks. You can see at a glance which specific vaccinations are required and what additional precautions you can take.

Chikungunya

In this country Chikungunya is prevalent. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary.

Dengue

In this country dengue fever is prevalent. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary.

DTP

Vaccination against DTP is recommended for all travelers to this country.

Hepatitis A

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers to this country.

Hepatitis B

Vaccination against hepatitis B depends on your personal situation. Please contact KLM Health Services for a personal advice.

Malaria

In this country there is a risk of getting malaria. Protection against mosquito bites is necessary during day- and nighttime. Sometimes malaria tablets are recommended, please contact KLM Health Services.

Rabies

Vaccination depends on your personal situation. In this country mammals could be infected with Rabies. Avoid contact with mammals. Please contact KLM Health Services for good and personal advice.

Yellow Fever - possibly compulsory

In this country Yellow Fever is not prevalent. However, when you’re traveling FROM a Yellow fever area vaccination can be COMPULSORY. Please contact KLM Health Services to discuss or vaccination applies to you.

Zika virus

In this country Zika virus is prevalent. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary.

A healthy trip to Costa Rica? Prepare for your trip with our tips

Make your trip to Costa Rica as pleasant as possible and avoid unexpected surprises. Below you will find helpful tips and tricks to prepare yourself for your journey.

Our KLM Health Services’ Doctor Connect service allows your to contact a KLM Health Services expert 24/7, either by telephone, text message or WhatsApp. Not only in case of emergency but also if you have doubts. Subscribe to Doctor Connect.

Seemingly innocent things such as food, water and bright sunlight can pose a risk to your health during your travels. Want to know what measures you can take to reduce these health risks? Please read our travel tips.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice (in Dutch) helps you prepare for safety risks during your stay abroad. The travel advice, for example, tells you which regions are safe and to which regions you should not travel. Sometimes there are security risks. If this is the case, please be alert or, preferably only travel to the country concerned if genuinely necessary. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a central telephone number for travellers, which can be reached 24/7. Please call: +31 247 247 247.

Schedule a vaccination for Costa Rica? Make an appointment!

Please make an appointment online for your Costa Rica vaccinations. An overview of our branches can be found here. Do you have any other questions about immunisations for Costa Rica? Please feel free to contact us and send an email to travelclinic@klm.com. You can also visit our frequently asked questions page.

Vaccination required for the above risks?

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