Vaccinations for Mexico: Everything you need to know

Off to Mexico? The sun, Mayan relics, tacos, and tequila will make this trip unforgettable. However, the thing that will help you fully enjoy your vacation is staying healthy.

When you travel, you’ll be exposed to germs and diseases that are unfamiliar to you. Vaccinations introduce your body to these germs in a controlled, gradual way. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out which vaccines exactly you might need for your holiday in Mexico.

And if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in Mexico and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Do I need vaccinations for Mexico?

Vaccinations aren’t required for short-term travellers to Mexico. However, there are still some you might want to take, as well as practices you should follow. Some vaccines are recommended to all travellers, while others are recommended for vulnerable groups only.

In general, it’s advisable to get the necessary vaccines at least 6 weeks before your trip, so try to make time for this.¹

What vaccinations are required for Mexico?²

The specific vaccinations you might need depend on the length of your stay in Mexico and what you plan on doing while you’re there.

Let’s cover all the recommended travel vaccinations for Mexico.

Standard UK primary vaccines and boosters³

Those who come to Mexico should be up-to-date on all routine vaccinations recommended in the UK. An example of them are the MMR vaccine or the diphtheria-tetanus-polio shot.

Even though you’ve received most of these vaccines in your childhood, it’s common to get boosters when necessary. For example, if you’ve received your last tetanus shot over 10 years ago, make sure you get a booster dose ahead of your trip.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria can be spread through respiratory droplets. Those spending time in overcrowded spaces are at a higher risk of contracting it. This is a standard primary vaccine in the UK, but it’s a good idea to get a booster before travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is an infection spread through contaminated food and water. Besides receiving the vaccine, it’s recommended that you always take care of what you consume.

Rabies

Infected animals can transmit rabies, even by scratching or licking broken skin. Doing certain activities in nature, such as cycling, trekking or running, can increase the risk of exposure. Besides getting vaccinated, you should avoid contact with animals in general.

This vaccine is also recommended to those staying in an area with no easy access to medical facilities and for longer stays in Mexico.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water or by touching your mouth after being in contact with any contaminated surface. The hepatitis A vaccine is particularly important for those with health issues such as liver or kidney diseases or haemophilia.

Hepatitis B

This disease is mostly spread through blood or sexual intercourse. Since you can get it through contaminated needles, it’s best that you avoid getting tattoos and piercings at unsafe places.

Health Tips for Travelling to Mexico³

Since there’s a risk of Zika virus and dengue in Mexico, you should take precautions against any mosquito bites. Zika virus can be very dangerous for pregnant women, so it’s necessary that they consult with their doctor before travelling to Mexico. Additionally, even men who plan on having children in the near future should reconsider travelling.

Dengue is usually not life-threatening, but you should still avoid mosquito bites. They are mostly active during daytime, so it’s advisable that you wear protective clothing and use repellents.

Other illnesses transmitted by insects or ticks in Mexico are American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), chikungunya, leishmaniasis and West Nile virus. The same rules apply here - avoiding bites and wearing appropriate clothing.

When it comes to water consumption, it’s unsafe to drink tap water in some parts of Mexico. Even when it meets safety standards, it can be contaminated from old pipes. Best case scenario is that you end up with stomach problems, but sometimes you’re even risking being infected with waterborne diseases. Stick to using bottled or filtered water.⁴

Lastly, make sure you have a travel health insurance policy. You never know when you might need some sort of medical help.

Travelling to Mexico? Use the Wise Card for low-cost spending abroad

That’s all you need to know about required and optional vaccines for Mexico, as well as staying healthy on your trip. However, make sure you look for any official updates before heading off.

When it comes to holiday spending, the Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Mexico and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

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Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

1. NHS - Travel vaccination advice
2. NHS Fit for travel - Mexico
3. NaTHNaC - Mexico vaccine recommendations
4. Water to Go USA - Is the water in Mexico safe to drink?

Sources last checked on date: 26-July-2024