Logan Reed
The Republic of Panama has a list of vaccination requirements for visitors, including a COVID-19 vaccine or negative PCR test. The country is vulnerable to the spread of diseases due to its geographical location, and the local population is protected by strict health measures. The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to Panama, including hepatitis A, which is highly contagious and transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. In 2007, Panama introduced a universal hepatitis A vaccination with a two-dose schedule, and studies suggest this has contributed to a reduction in hepatitis cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A vaccine recommended | Yes |
| Hepatitis A vaccine doses | Two |
| Hepatitis A vaccine brand | Havrix® junior; GSK Vaccines, Belgium |
| Year of introduction of Hepatitis A vaccine | 2007 |
| Prevalence of Hepatitis A | High |
| Hepatitis A transmission | Contaminated food, water, or close contact |
| Other recommended vaccines | Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Polio, Yellow Fever, Chikungunya, Rabies, Influenza, COVID-19, Pneumonia, Meningitis, Chickenpox, Shingles, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) |
| Malaria risk | Low, except in rural areas of Bocas del Toro, eastern Panama, Darien, Guna Yala, and Emberá territories |
| Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses | Present in Panama |
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What You'll Learn
The hepatitis A vaccine is available in Panama
Panama is a Central American country connecting North and South America, and its strategic location means it is constantly under threat from diseases. As a result, the country has strict health measures in place, and all visitors from selected countries must show evidence of one or more vaccinations. For example, visitors from selected African countries, South American countries, and other regions must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Additionally, those entering Panama to work with mammals and bats that may carry diseases such as rabies are expected to have received a rabies vaccination.
Hepatitis A is highly contagious and is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. The prevalence of hepatitis A in Panama is due to exposure to contaminated water and food. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers to Panama take three shots of the hepatitis A vaccine every six months to protect themselves.
It is important to note that while vaccines are essential, they cannot protect against all diseases in Panama. Travellers should also take other preventative measures, such as practising good hygiene, safe food and water choices, and protecting themselves from bug bites. Additionally, travellers should be aware of the changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions, such as wearing appropriate clothing, using bug spray, and staying hydrated during high temperatures.
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Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water
The Republic of Panama has a prevalence of Hepatitis A due to exposure to contaminated water and food. The CDC and WHO recommend the hepatitis A vaccine for travellers to Panama.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that can cause liver disease. It is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food and water or through direct contact with an infected person. Food and water can become contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus when infected food handlers prepare food without appropriate handwashing hygiene. This is known as the faecal-oral route of transmission.
Waterborne outbreaks of Hepatitis A are usually associated with sewage-contaminated or inadequately treated water. In developed countries, water treatment processes and dilution within municipal water systems are typically sufficient to render the virus non-infectious. However, flooding-related sewage contamination of potable water sources is a recognised risk factor.
Foodborne outbreaks of Hepatitis A have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters and clams, as well as raw vegetables, fruits, and salads. Inappropriate shellfish harvesting near known sources of sewage and the use of fecally contaminated water to immerse harvested live shellfish have been identified as contributing factors to shellfish-related outbreaks.
To prevent Hepatitis A infection, it is important to practice good hygiene and sanitation practices, including frequent handwashing with soap and warm water, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom. Vaccination is also recommended as a safe and effective preventive measure.
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$11.93 $21.99
Hepatitis B is also a risk in Panama
The Republic of Panama has a risk of Hepatitis A and B due to exposure to contaminated water and food. The CDC and WHO recommend that visitors get vaccinated against both types of hepatitis. Hepatitis B is a liver infection transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. It can also be spread through contaminated needles and medical instruments. The cornerstone of protection against Hepatitis B is the vaccine, which activates the immune system and generates potent and enduring antibodies against the virus.
Panama has strict vaccination requirements for visitors, and proof of vaccination is mandatory for entry into the country. The required vaccinations depend on the traveller's country of origin. For example, visitors from certain African and South American countries must have a current yellow fever vaccine, while those working with bats or other mammals that can transmit rabies must also be vaccinated. It is important to consult the health authority in your country to determine the specific vaccinations needed for travel to Panama.
In addition to the hepatitis A and B vaccines, the CDC and WHO recommend several other vaccinations for Panama, including typhoid, polio, rabies, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). Malaria is also a risk in some rural areas of Panama, although the risk is generally low. There is no vaccine for malaria, but prescription medications are available to prevent the disease.
To protect oneself from hepatitis B in Panama, it is recommended to receive two shots of the hepatitis B vaccine every six months. Practicing safe behaviours and avoiding exposure to contaminated bodily fluids are also important measures to prevent infection. It is worth noting that vaccinations may not be readily available in Panama, so it is advisable to obtain all the required shots before travelling to the country.
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Vaccination requirements for visitors to Panama
It is important to note that Panama does not currently require an international vaccination certificate as an entry requirement. However, it is always recommended to carry your vaccination card when travelling. Additionally, Panama requires current yellow fever vaccinations for visitors arriving from specific countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and more. It is important to consult official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding vaccination requirements.
While not all diseases in Panama can be prevented by vaccines, vaccinations are still a critical preventive measure. The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to Panama, including:
- Hepatitis A: Panama has a prevalence of Hepatitis A due to exposure to contaminated food and water. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact.
- Typhoid: Typhoid can be transmitted through contaminated food and water, and vaccination is typically administered in one shot.
- Hepatitis B: While not required, Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers to most regions of Panama. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.
- Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Rabies: Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, especially for those at higher risk of exposure.
- Polio: Polio vaccination is recommended for travellers to Panama.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): It is recommended that all international travellers be fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
Other recommended vaccinations include influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis). It is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date.
In addition to vaccinations, there are other health considerations when travelling to Panama. Malaria is a risk in some rural areas of Panama, such as Bocas del Toro, eastern Panama, Darién, and the Guna Yala and Emberá territories. It is recommended to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent Malaria. Dengue fever and the Zika virus are also transmitted by mosquito bites in Panama, so it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
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The importance of getting vaccinated before travelling to Panama
Vaccination is a critical preventive measure for travellers to Panama, as vaccines cannot protect against all diseases in the country. The country has a prevalence of hepatitis A and hepatitis B due to exposure to contaminated food and water, and travellers can be exposed to hepatitis A regardless of where they eat or stay. Vaccination is also key to preventing rabies, which is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, and rabies vaccinations are not readily available in Panama.
The CDC and WHO recommend that travellers to Panama get vaccinated against 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). It is important to start the vaccination process early, as some vaccines are given in several doses and may not be easily available in Panama.
Yellow fever vaccinations should be administered at least 10 days prior to travel, and Panama requires current yellow fever vaccinations for visitors coming from certain countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Gabon. Rabies vaccinations typically take four weeks, so travellers should begin the process at least one month before their trip. Malaria is a risk in some parts of Panama, and travellers should fill their malaria prescriptions before leaving home and take enough medication for the entire trip.
In addition to vaccinations, travellers to Panama should take other health precautions. This includes bringing all necessary medicines, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, as medicine in Panama may be substandard or counterfeit. Travellers should also take steps to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants in mosquito-heavy areas and using insect repellent, especially in areas with malaria risk.
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Frequently asked questions
No, but it is highly recommended as Panama has a prevalence of Hepatitis A due to exposure to contaminated water and food.
Three shots of the hepatitis A vaccine are recommended every six months.
Yes, hepatitis B is also recommended for travellers to most regions in Panama.
Two shots of the hepatitis B vaccine are recommended every six months.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Panama: typhoid, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
