Barbados Health

Vaccinations

  Special Precautions
Diphtheria Sometimes
Hepatitis A Yes
Malaria No
Rabies No
Tetanus Yes
Typhoid Sometimes
Yellow Fever No*
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited.

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age travelling from an infected area.

Food and Drink

Barbados’s water is said to rank amongst the purest in the world; it is filtered naturally by limestone and coral and pumped from underground streams. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption.

Other Risks

Long-term travellers may be advised to immunise against hepatitis B. A low risk of dengue fever exists. Hay fever and asthma can be exacerbated during the sugar cane harvesting season. Barbados has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, particularly amongst the 20 to 45 age group, of which it is the second-biggest killer. All necessary precautions should be undertaken.

Health Care

Both private and state-run medical facilities in Barbados are excellent. A reciprocal health agreement with the UK entitles UK nationals to free hospital and polyclinic treatment, ambulance travel. Prescribed medicines are provided cost-free for children and elderly patients. All dental treatment bears a cost. To receive treatment, UK nationals must show their UK passport or NHS medical card, as well as their temporary entry permit. Medical insurance is recommended for all other nationals.
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