Travel Vaccines for Cuba & the Caribbean — What Canadians Actually Need

Caribbean travel health — what you actually need

The Caribbean receives more Canadian visitors than any other international region. Despite the resort-focused nature of most Canadian Caribbean travel, several vaccines are genuinely recommended — and some destinations require more preparation than others.

Vaccines recommended for ALL Caribbean destinations

• Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended for all Caribbean travel. Resort food handlers have been the source of documented Hep A outbreaks. A single dose provides 94–100% protection within 2 weeks.
• Dukoral: Highly recommended — ETEC is a leading cause of Caribbean traveller's diarrhea even at all-inclusive resorts. Two doses before departure reduce risk by 60–70%.

Country-by-country breakdown

Cuba

Cuba is malaria-free. Standard preparation: Hepatitis A + Dukoral. Independent travellers eating at paladares or local restaurants should also consider Typhoid.

Dominican Republic (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo)

No malaria for resort areas. Hepatitis A + Dukoral standard. Very low malaria risk for standard resort travel — no prophylaxis routinely recommended.

Jamaica

Malaria-free for tourist areas. Hepatitis A + Dukoral standard.

Haiti

Higher-risk destination — Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis recommended. Consult physician for current recommendations.

Barbados, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos

Low-risk destinations. Hepatitis A standard. Dukoral practical but lower priority than other Caribbean destinations.

What about dengue?

Dengue is present across the Caribbean year-round. There is no travel vaccine available for dengue — prevention relies on 30% DEET repellent, long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation.

Book your Caribbean consultation

Book at Virtual Travel Clinic — virtual consultation from Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario.

Sources: PHAC Travel Health | CDC Yellow Book