Learn more about the diseases you may need protection from & vaccinations to consider for your trip to Mexico
Thriving with breath-taking beaches and colonial towns, Mexico is a historical country that’s proven to be a popular destination for many people travelling the world. Although the beauty of the Caribbean coastline is enticing, like all destinations, travelling to Mexico can pose some risks to your health. There are several diseases you could encounter in Mexico, which you wouldn’t normally encounter in the UK, including hepatitis A, rabies and tetanus – all of which can be vaccinated against at Boots.
If you’re planning on travelling to Mexico, it’s recommended that you seek travel health advice around six to eight weeks before your trip to find out what vaccinations you should consider before jetting off. At Boots, we offer a Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service* and our specially trained travel health pharmacists and nurses can provide tailored travel health advice for your holiday, including information about which vaccinations to consider for your trip depending on things like:
• Which regions you’re visiting
• What activities you’re doing
• Your age and general health
What happens during a travel health advice appointment?
During your appointment, one of our travel health pharmacists or nurses will conduct a personalised risk assessment (this should take around 40 minutes). The following will be discussed:
• The vaccinations and health advice to consider based on your specific needs
• Advice to help reduce your risk of diseases whilst on your trip.
• Antimalarial options tailored to your travel itinerary, if appropriate
So what can you expect during the vaccination process? Our aim is to make you feel confident and informed about the protection you’re receiving, which is why our trained travel pharmacists and nurses will guide you through each step, explaining the purpose of each vaccination, the benefits of each vaccination and any risks to consider.
What do I need for my travel health advice appointment?
To make sure you can get the most out of your appointment, you’ll need to make sure you have a few pieces of information with you, including:
• Details about your trip, such as the destination(s), date of the trip, duration and any planned activities
• Details of any medical condition or medication you're taking
• History of previous vaccinations, if known
Book a travel vaccination appointment
We recommend that you schedule your travel vaccination appointment six to eight weeks before your travel date. This helps to ensure you get the travel vaccinations you need, particularly if multiple doses are required. If you’re travelling last minute and have not yet acquired an appointment for travel vaccinations, rest assured our travel health pharmacists and nurses may still be able to help you.
Diseases in Mexico
Below are some of the diseases you could encounter whilst travelling to Mexico.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a highly contagious infection that’s spread by coughs and sneezes, or through close contact with someone who’s infected. The infection affects the nose, throat and sometimes skin. It can be spread by sharing items such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding with an infected person. As the risk is higher in areas with poor sanitation, taking steps like washing your hands before eating and after using the toilet is important.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that’s caught from contaminated food and water and spreads in the poo of an infected person. If you’re travelling to areas with poor sanitation, are a long-stay traveller or visiting family and friends, taking steps like washing your hands regularly and drinking bottled water is important.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection spread through infected blood and other bodily fluids. The risk is higher for certain people, for example those who are long-stay travellers or those who have unprotected sex. To aid prevention, it’s recommended to use a condom when engaging in sexual activity. Also, avoid sharing razors, needles or toothbrushes with others.
Measles
Measles is an infection that usually starts with cold-like symptoms, including a high temperature or a runny nose, followed by a rash and sometimes small spots in the mouth. It can spread very easily and lead to more serious problems if left untreated. To minimise your exposure to measles, you should aim to maintain good personal hygiene. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water is important as the infection spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also helps to avoid sharing items like towels, clothes, cups, bedding or cutlery.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that spreads very easily. It can cause symptoms such as painful swellings in the side of the face or under the ears. The infection spreads similarly to cold and flu, through infected droplets of saliva that can be inhaled or picked up and transferred into the mouth or nose.
Rubella
Rubella is a rare infection that’s main symptom is a spotty rash. The best way to prevent the illness is by having the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. As rubella spreads from coughs and sneezes, it’s important to avoid close contact with those infected. Also, maintaining good personal hygiene is essential, including washing your hands with soap and warm water. Avoid sharing towels, cutlery, cups, clothes and bedding.
Rabies
Although it’s rare, rabies is a serious infection, impacting the nervous system and is almost always fatal if not treated early. It’s usually passed onto humans from the bite or scratch of an infected animal, such as a dog or bat. It’s important to be aware that you’re at higher risk of rabies if you’re travelling to an area where medical care is limited, so learning how you can protect yourself is important.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious condition caused by bacteria coming into contact with an open wound. It causes muscles to tighten in the body which can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Typhoid
Typhoid, also known as typhoid fever, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food or water. It can affect many organs in the body and includes symptoms such as a headache and a persistent high temperature that gradually increases each day. You’re at higher risk of typhoid when travelling to areas that have poor sanitation, limited access to clean water and if you're visiting family or friends. Maintaining good personal hygiene, drinking bottled water and washing food in safe water is important to assist prevention.
What travel vaccinations may you need for Mexico?
Below are a list of the travel vaccinations you should consider when travelling to Mexico:
Hepatitis A and B: Both vaccinations help protect against viral infections that can cause liver disease. The hepatitis B vaccination generally involves a course of three injections, compared to a singular injection for hepatitis A.
Rabies: A course of three vaccinations is recommended to protect you against rabies, particularly if you’re engaging in activities that increase your risk. For example, activities that include coming into contact with infected animals.
Tetanus: Those who haven’t had a tetanus dose in the past 10 years but are planning on travelling to Mexico should discuss the possibility of a booster dose.
Childhood immunisations
Regardless of which country or countries you’re travelling to, it’s recommended that your childhood immunisations are up to date for the following:
• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Diphtheria, tetanus and polio
Quick check tool
Whether you’re planning your next adventure or you’ve already got your dream destination in mind, our quick check tool is on hand to list the diseases that may be present in your chosen country. Plus, you’ll also find details on the vaccinations you can consider for your destination.
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