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Do I require any vaccinations?

Vaccination requirements vary by destination and may change from time to time.   

We recommend that you seek advice from your medical practitioner or travel health clinic, at least six weeks before your cruise, to discuss your personal travel plans and obtain appropriate advice and vaccinations prior to travel. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all guests.

You will find further travel health advice on the UK government funded website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk and for guidance on seasonal influenza: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/51/seasonal-influenza.
You can also find vaccination information (correct at the time of print) in our brochure.

For our current COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please visit the dedicated page on our website https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-with-confidence/booking-with-confidence

Mandatory Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

On 11 July 2016, changes to International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) regarding the validity of the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for yellow fever vaccine came into force.

The period of validity of the ICVP has changed from 10 years to the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. This applies to all ICVP for yellow fever vaccination, including certificates already issued, and new or duplicate certificates. A valid ICVP, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate and that boosters or re-vaccination cannot be required.

Although a vaccination is not always a mandatory requirement, it is highly recommended due to visiting high risk areas. We recommend you seek advice from your GP as to whether you require the vaccination.

There are currently Yellow Fever Vaccination Certification requirements for the following cruises:

2024
R401 Aurora
Departing 03 Jan – 08 March 2024

  • There are port entry requirements on the 11 Feb (Panama) and 17 February ( Honduras) due to entry to previous ports on the itinerary.

2025
R501 Aurora
Departing 06 Jan – 12 March 2025

  • Due to the port of call in Brazil 26 January - 31 Feb, there are YFVC requirements to enter the ports of Tobago 06 Feb 2025.
  • Due to the port of call in Colombia 09 Feb 2025 , there are YFVC requirements to enter the port of Colon in Panama 11 Feb 2025.
  • Due to the port of call in Panama 01 Feb 2025 there are YFVC requirements to enter the port of Roatan, Honduras 16 February 2025.

There are no Yellow Fever Vaccination requirements to enter Brazil however both the UK Government and the World Health Organisation strongly recommend vaccination if travelling to Brazil

If yellow fever vaccination is contraindicated for medical reasons an exemption can be issued by your Medical Practitioner and this must be brought with you to the ship. Local Port Health Officials will then decide if a vaccination waiver can be issued

A letter of exemption requires the following information:
 
Name of guest
Date of Travel
Statement advising the following or similar : I advise that the Yellow Fever Vaccination should not be given on medical grounds to the above named person.
Medical Practitioners signature
Medical Practice Stamp
Letter written on medical practice headed paper
 
We are unable to confirm whether exemption letters will be accepted and guests allowed too disembark ports that have a yellow fever certificate requirement as it is a port health requirement and not a CUK requirements.

Guests without the correct documentation will be denied boarding.

Proof of Vaccination

You will not be asked for proof that you have had any other vaccinations other than yellow fever if this is a mandatory requirement for your cruise.

Zika virus

From 2016, travel health notices were issued by public health authorities for people travelling to areas where Zika virus is known to occur. Zika virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, although sexual transmission can also occur, and symptoms include fever, headache, red eyes, rash, and joint pains. The illness is usually mild, lasts between two and seven days and affects only one in five people infected. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider prior to booking travel to areas with active Zika transmission. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis for a few weeks to several months. In a small proportion of infections it can be triggered by Zika, much as it can after a variety of other infections. Most people fully recover from GBS, but some have long term damage. As the list of affected countries changes rapidly over time, we recommend you regularly review Public Health England’s website for updated information and a list of countries with active transmission: www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus. Please seek medical advice prior to travelling if this travel alert affects you. Guests are reminded to take enhanced precautions against biting insects by covering exposed skin, and using insect repellent.

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