Health Risks Disclaimer
The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
We, at Sonic HealthPlus, trading as Travelvax and our related companies, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate or error free. You therefore view the following information at your own risk.
You should obtain specific travel health advice in relation to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition and your intended itinerary.
Our staff at travelvax.com.au are trained in the medical travel health area and are able to advise you on your specific individual needs. Please feel free to contact us on 1300 360 164 for assistance.
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About Panama Vaccinations
The Republic of Panama links Central and South America and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, as well as by Colombia to the east and Costa Rica to the west. Two seasons occur in this tropical climate: the rainy season from May to December and the dry in the first four months of the year. As with other Central American countries, the Caribbean coast’s weather is influenced by the trade winds and so it is wetter than the Pacific Coast. Panama City is located on the Pacific side; dry season temperatures range between 24°C and 32°C.
Travel Health Alerts
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Yellow Fever
Disease present.
Country requirement at entry: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever
WHO vaccination recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or over going to mainland areas east of the area surrounding the Canal (the entire comarcas of Emberá and Kuna Yala, the province of Darién, and areas of the provinces of Colón and Panama that are east of the Canal).
Not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas west of the Canal, the city of Panama, the Canal area itself, Balboa Islands (Pearl Islands) and San Blas Islands.
Travellers arriving in Australia within 6 days of visiting Panama require proof of vaccination.
Travelvax note: We advise that this information is discussed with a yellow fever licenced practitioner.
Travelvax has doctors who are yellow fever vaccination-accredited. Click here to learn more about Yellow Fever.
COVID-19
For the most up to date requirements for entry into Australia, go to Smartraveller.
Please click this COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA) to view the latest Panama COVID travel requirements.
Hepatitis A
Moderate risk to travellers, vaccination recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis A vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Moderate presence of Hepatitis B in local population. Vaccination would be recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis B vaccination.
Typhoid
Moderate risk for most travellers. Vaccination recommended for travel to smaller cities, villages and rural areas outside usual tourist routes. Some medical conditions pre-dispose to infection; whether vaccinations would be recommended should be discussed with a medical practitioner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. To learn more about Typhoid and the available vaccinations, click here.
Influenza
Year round risk present. Most common vaccine preventable illness in travellers. Vaccine recommended, effective for 1 year. To learn more about the Influenza virus, click here.
Rabies
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. Generally rabies vaccination is advised for high risk individuals such as veterinarians or animal handlers, cavers. Additionally for higher risk travellers who plan: extended periods outdoors, rural travel, adventurous activities including bicycling; also expats or long-term travellers to endemic regions and children (risk of more severe or risk-prone bites and may not report contact at all). Click here to learn more about rabies.
Japanese Encephalitis
No risk to travellers.
Polio
No risk to travellers.
Tickborne Encephalitis
No risk to travellers.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Low risk to travellers.
Cholera
No risk to travellers.
Other Diseases
Travellers Diarrhoea
High risk. Travellers' Diarrhoea affects 20-60% of overseas travellers, food and water precautions are essential. Self-treatment medications may be recommended.
Insect-borne Diseases
Diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika may be present. Seasonal risk will vary by country. Whether preventive measures will be recommended will depend on itinerary, length of stay, type of travel etc. and needs to be discussed with a medical practitioner. For those countries with disease present, risk is highest in urban and semi-urban areas, but may also occur in rural areas; insect avoidance measures are highly recommended all year round. Travelvax believes that the best defence is to understand their habits, dress properly and use an effective insect repellent in the correct manner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk.
Schistosomiasis
No risk to travellers.
Altitude
Altitude illness is a risk to travellers ascending higher than 2000 meters. Preventative medication is available. Consult a medical practitioner if ascending to 2000 metres or above. Click here to learn more about Altitude illness.
Additional Information
Personal Safety
In order to check before and during travel for any high-risk areas visit the Smartraveller website. Avoid unnecessary displays of wealth or valuables and minimise the amounts of cash carried. Keep secure records of passport/credit card/licence numbers. For more safety tips visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au.
Medical Care
Limited medical facilities available. Unless travelling with a well-equipped organisation, a high level of self-sufficiency in terms of first aid kits and sterile equipment is recommended. An evacuation contingency should be a part of your travel insurance. Check for any contacts supplied by your emergency assistance organisation (nominated by your travel insurer) or with IAMAT (International Association of Medical Assistance for Travellers).
First Aid Kits & Accessories
Carry a basic first aid kit, customised to your activities. For longer stays consider a needle and syringe pack and medication for travellers diarrhoea.
Call 1300 360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.
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