Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Puerto Rico. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Puerto Rico: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
Typhoid – Food & Water – Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers.
Polio – Food & Water – Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination.
Chikungunya – Mosquito – Few cases reported since 2016. Increased risk for those who may be in more rural areas.
Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.
Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
**Meningitis – Direct Contact ** & Airborne – Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Puerto Rico
