Vaccinations for Mauritius: Everything you need to know

Whether you’re into adventure hiking, or more interested in kicking back on the beach with a spot of laid back snorkelling, there’s a great break waiting for you in Mauritius. Before you pack your suitcase, take some time to check if you need any additional vaccinations to make sure your trip goes to plan. This guide gives you some pointers to consider.

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Do I need vaccinations for Mauritius?

There’s no longer any Covid-related entry requirement for Mauritius², and there’s no yellow fever vaccination requirement here either. This means that there are no mandatory vaccinations to be allowed to enter Mauritius - but as we’ll see in a moment there are still a few vaccines which you may be recommended by your doctor based on your personal situation and plans³.

What vaccinations are required for Mauritius?

As we’ve seen, there are no mandatory vaccines for Mauritius. However, in all cases it’s worth talking to a travel health doctor a few weeks before you travel, to talk through any recommended vaccines based on your specific health records and travel plans.

As a basic rule, travel health doctors will want to make sure you’re up to date with all your regular and seasonal vaccines before you travel, to minimise the risk of sickness disrupting your break. This might mean getting a flu shot, or boosters for some of your childhood vaccines for example. Other vaccines might be recommended based on how long you’ll be in Mauritius, what you plan on doing, and your personal circumstances, including any underlying conditions.

Mauritius required travel vaccinations

First, let’s take a look at the vaccinations usually recommended to all travellers to Mauritius. Generally, the NHS suggests that as long as you’re up to date with your usual and seasonal vaccinations for life in the UK, you get a tetanus booster to ensure coverage:

Tetanus

Tetanus is transmitted by bacteria in soil, and can get into your body through even small cuts, scratches or burns. You’ll most likely have had a tetanus vaccination in childhood, but it’s usually recommended to have a booster every ten years to make sure you have continued protection.

Other Mauritius travel vaccinations to consider

Aside from tetanus, your doctor might recommend some additional travel vaccines based on your own situation and your specific travel plans. The most commonly recommended are Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid, which we’ll look at in a moment.

It’s also important to talk your doctor through any activities you’re planning to take part in during your trip, as some vaccinations are only recommended in specific circumstances. As an example, cavers and adventure tourists may be recommended a vaccine against a rabies-like disease carried by bats - whereas someone on a high end beach break wouldn’t need this.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A can be passed on through contact with people with the disease, or in contaminated food and water. This vaccination is usually only recommended if you’re undertaking adventure tourism or if you may be unable to get to medical facilities quickly from wherever you’re planning on staying.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Your doctor might recommend this if you’re travelling for a long period, if you’re taking part in contact sports or other riskier activities, or if you may need medical or dental treatment while you’re away from home.

Typhoid

You can get typhoid by consuming infected food and water. Typhoid vaccination won’t normally be recommended if you’re staying somewhere that you can be sure the food will be safe, but may be considered if you’re in rural areas or for any reason can’t guarantee you’ll be able to access clean drinking water.

Health Tips for Travelling to Mauritius

Your trip to Mauritius should be a wonderful break - but you don’t want to allow ill health to slow you down. Generally just by applying some common sense you can stay safe, fit and healthy - here are a few final tips:

• Be wary of the heat and sun exposure - use sun protection, stay out of the heat at the hottest times of day and remember to stay hydrated
• Avoid tap water and ice, and stick with bottled water from brands you recognise if you can
• While Mauritius doesn’t have any risk of malaria, there are some other insect borne illnesses such as dengue present - use insect repellant and wear long sleeves and trousers to prevent bites
• Carry hand sanitiser and practise good hand hygiene at all times

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Sources used for this article:

Sources last checked on date: 27-May-2024