Costa Rica Vacation - Do I need medication / vaccinations?

Question

I am going to Costa Rica on vacation (specifically the arenal and manuel antonio areas). Do I need to take any medications / shots before I go on the trip?

Thanks!

Answer 1

When you go and get your passport they will let you know, if you already have it call them and ask them. Or call your local health department

Answer 2

No shots or special medical precautions are necessary.  Only a good insect repellent is recommended.  Here's a link (below) to an excellent website with more information on this topic (and lots of good info on almost every topic regarding Costa Rica).  

Enjoy your trip to paradise!

Answer 3

No, you don't need any special vaccinations or medications.  Just make sure your vaccinations are up to date, since their protection is needed where you live and elsewhere in the world.  The only precaution you need to take is insect repellent for dengue fever (it has to be at least 23% DEET).  If you get diarrhea or something, you can go to the pharmacy, where you can get almost anything without a prescription.

Answer 4

No you don't.  Just make sure you carry insect repellent, specially at sunset (when mosquitoes bite!)

Enjoy!

Answer 5

I just came back from a trip to Costa Rica. Did not take any medication nor vaccination. Make sure you use deet to avoid insect bites.

By the way, the arenal volcano at night is really cool. You can see the red-hot rocks rolling down the sides of the volcano.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 6

NO, just make sure to use a repellent to avoid being attacked by the mosquito that causes "dengue".  Be careful with the sun, use a sunblock!

Answer 7

No, you don't - there are no required vaccinations.  But  a Hepatits-A shot is always a good idea when you are going anywhere.  Heck, it's a good idea even if you aren't.  Make sure you take your mosquito repellent though - that is mosquito areas down by the coast and mosquitos do carry malaria.