Travel Vaccinations for Costa Rica

The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Costa Rica

Recommended Vaccinations for Costa Rica at a Glance
All Travellers: MMR, DTP

Some Travellers: Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, TB

Vaccination Major Risk Factors Course Price
MMR Person-to-Person Course of Two £60
DTP Person-to-Person Single Dose £50
Typhoid Person-to-Person Single Dose £66
Hepatitis A Person-to-Person Single Dose £89
Hepatitis B Person-to-Person Course of Three £66
Rabies Person-to-Person Course of 3/4- intradermal £66
TB Person-to-Person One Dose £60 + £20 (appointment fee)

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine.

There is no risk of yellow fever but a vaccination certificate is required.

There is low risk of malaria and awareness and bite avoidance are recommended.

There is No Risk of Yellow Fever in Costa Rica

Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before travelling.

Advice for Travellers to all Destinations

The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.

All Travellers

All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Most Travellers

Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.

Some Travellers

Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.

Risk of Malaria in Costa Rica

Malaria is spread by the plasmodium parasite passed to humans from the bite of an anopheles mosquito. Malaria is a serious illness with symptoms include fever, chills, sweats and flu like symptoms. In severe cases, malaria can be fatal. There isn’t currently a vaccine available for our travellers, although there are other ways to protect yourself, see Malaria Information for Travellers.

There is a Risk of Malaria all year in the provence of Limon. There is a Low to No Risk throughout the rest of the county.

Malaria Prevention

Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellent such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.

What our customers say about us.

We love what we do, we believe our enthusiasm shows and we’re very proud of our excellent reputation. We work hard to maintain it, and it’s great when people appreciate our efforts.

Nicolas Charlet
17 March 2023

Incredible service – so helpful
Excellent service! Chazile went above and beyond to prepare me for my travels to south east Asia. Very kind, sharp and added helpful bits of information that will be useful during my travels. Even created a vaccine booklet for me that I asked for to keep track of my vaccines for the future. Highly recommended The London Vaccination Clinic. Thanks again Chazile 🙂 Nick

Ines Lopes
11 March 2023

Travel vacines

Attended a consultation for travel vacines, the nurse explained everything with care, provided good advice. We then add a follow up consultation with a different nurse for the vaccines and was also very kind and professional. Was very impressed, we did not feel pressured to have more vacines then reasonable and both nurses gave pricing information upfront.

Sophie Harris
13 March 2023

Very positive experience

Really easy to book and the nurse who I saw in Liverpool Street was really kind and helpful. She went through my vaccination history, what I needed for my trip and explained everything I needed to know ahead of administrating the vaccine I needed.
I am glad I arrived early as the venue was tricky to find as the name of the building has changed so doesn’t match Google maps. Put me in a slight panic as I thought I was going to miss my appointment but I found it in the end!

Kyra
21 March 2023

Thorough and helpful consult

Thorough and helpful consult. Professional and pleasant experience, amazing and k knowledgeable staff!

Arnie
08 March 2023

My nurse was a beautiful soul inside…

My nurse was a beautiful soul inside and out. I have a fear of needles and she was so patient and reassuring from beginning to end. She asked me questions, helped me to relax and made me feel like an individual rather than just someone on the list for the day.

Our Nurses

At the London Vaccination Clinic, we are proud to introduce our team of expert nurses who are dedicated to providing excellent customer care and over delivering for our customers. Our nurses possess a high level of skill and expertise, ensuring that every individual receives the best possible preparation and protection for their travel needs, regardless of their destination or personal circumstances.

We prioritize the development of our nurses and take pride in their continuous growth. All our nurses are registered with the UK regulatory body, ensuring their professionalism and adherence to the highest standards of care. To further enhance their knowledge and skills, our nurses receive regular training from our medical and clinical directors, who provide them with the latest updates and advancements in the field.

As a CQC regulated and approved clinic, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of care to our patients. Our dedication to excellence extends across all our clinics located throughout the UK. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can receive comprehensive and personalized care for their travel health needs.

At the London Vaccination Clinic, we understand the importance of your health and well-being while traveling. Our team of skilled nurses is here to ensure that you are well-prepared and protected, allowing you to embark on your journey with confidence and peace of mind.

We operate under the rigorous standards set by the CQC and are committed to delivering top-notch care to our patients at every one of our UK clinics.

Download our CQC report here. 

Further Travel Health Advice for Costa Rica

The climate here is as varied as the scenery, but overall Costa Rica is tropical. In the mountains, the weather is temperate, but at the beach, temperatures can get close to 27. Use sun block and apply it liberally. Remember that the sun can burn you even when it doesn’t feel that hot. Make a habit of carrying bottled water with you wherever you go.

While the tap water is said to be safe to drink, mineral water, and bottled water is cheap and is sold everywhere, so it is probably a good plan to drink just bottled water.

Costa Rican cuisine is quite simple, and reflects its Spanish heritage in many dishes, like arroz con pollo, and the National dish, gallo pinto, which is simply fried rice with black beans, which can be served at lunch, or dinner, and even at breakfast, served with eggs and cooked plantains. Costa Rica exports much of its seafood, but in coastal regions, sea bass and tuna are plentiful, and ceviche is served as a snack.

Don’t be surprised to find American style snacks, like Doritos. Dining out is inexpensive, even most San José restaurants, and when you see a restaurant called a Mirador, it means that it has a view. Remember to avoid eating from open buffets. Uncooked vegetables, salads and fruits that you cannot peel should not be eaten. Refrescos, fruit drinks made with fresh fruit, like mangoes, papayas, and pineapple, with water, or milk, are very popular. Several brands of good beer are brewed in Costa Rica, most of which are pilsners.

If you need health care in Costa Rica, it is always best to use a private clinic. In San José the standard of care is quite good, but risky and sparse as you travel further from the capital. Arrange in advance to have enough money with you to pay for any health care you might need.

Protect yourself, and your family, with comprehensive travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any potentially risky activities.

While Costa Rica is not especially dangerous, there are certain ways to be sure of your safety. Petty theft is common in just about any tourist area, but more so in the capital. Be cautious, and leave your valuables at home before your trip. Keep your cash and travellers’ cheques secure, and lock ATM doors after entering. Don’t wear flashy jewellery in San José, and remember to take taxis at night, where possible.