Jamaica
Dental care is available in Kingston
Generally the quality of medication cannot be guaranteed in Jamaica as, heat damaged and out of date supplies may be stocked
There are often shortages of blood supplies and screening is not consistent, therefore blood transfusions should be avoided.
Medical care is more limited than in the West. Comprehensive emergency medical services are located in Kingston and Montego Bay but public hospitals are located in each parish. Emergency medical and ambulance services are more limited in outlying parishes. Ambulance service is limited both in the quality of emergency care, and in the availability of vehicles in remote parts of the country. The Jamaica Defense Force operates helicopters, which can be used when necessary to transfer critical patients.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Take personal protective measures against insects. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Coral and jellyfish may present problems.
Black widow spiders and scorpions are present but rare.
Because of dense foliage and high pollen levels, the climate can be unpleasant for some asthma sufferers.
The U.S. Transportation Department reports that the passenger cabins of aircraft destined for Jamaica are treated with a residual pesticide before passengers board.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions.
Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type.
Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne illness: outbreaks of dengue fever occur, and dengue hemorrhagic fever has also occurred.
Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases, including bacillary and amoebic dysenteries, are common.
Hepatitis - occurs
Leptospirosis - occurs (mainly during the mango season)
Typhoid fever - occurs
Other hazards:
High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria.
Influenza risk extends throughout the year.
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas.
