Risk / Health Info for Barbados

What shots do I need for Barbados?

Make sure your shots are up to date before you leave for Barbados. Ask our advisers about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, gastrointestinal illnesses that are spread via infected water and food.

Travellers should consider a hepatitis B short if they are planning to go to Barbados often or to stay for a long time, or if they plan to work in healthcare or dentistry. Children should also get a hep B shot. Spread by contact with blood or body fluid, hep B can be contracted via invasive medical or cosmetic procedures, unprotected sex or dirty needles, including those used for tattooing or piercing.

What medical facilities are available in Barbados?

Barbados has adequate healthcare facilities, with a public hospital, a private hospital and several private clinics. There is a hyperbaric chamber on Needham’s Point. Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover medical treatment or evacuation if necessary. You need travel insurance whenever you leave Canada, so check with you provincial or territorial health authority for information about coverage in Barbados.

The emergency number in Barbados is 511.

Protect your health in Barbados

Several mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Barbados, including Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever. Always use a reliable insect repellent and wear loose neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and sleep in an air-conditioned room or under nets wherever possible.

Chikungunya virus in Barbados

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Barbados. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in Barbados

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Barbados. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in Barbados

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Barbados. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Barbados. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.