Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website to obtain the most recent list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccinations are needed (see Resources below). Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers, except young children and pregnant women. Get the typhoid and rabies immunizations when there is a chance of exposure to those illnesses.
Review the status of your routine immunizations. Tetanus should be done every 10 years. Get the booster for Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR), unless you are pregnant, if you have never received a second vaccination. Get the Hepatitis B immunization when at risk through contact with local residents.
Find out what the current yellow fever and malaria situation is for Costa Rica at the World Health Organization website (see Resources below). Take anti-malaria medication for the provinces of Limón and Puntarenas.
Call your physician at least 2 months prior to your trip to schedule the immunizations at the optimum time before departure. Get Hepatitis A and other immunizations 1 month before travel.
Visit your physician at the properly scheduled times for the various vaccinations. Many combination vaccinations are available, such as hepatitis A+B and hepatitis A+typhoid, to reduce the number of pricks. Oral medications are available for typhoid and malaria prevention.
