Health Information
Inoculations and Vaccinations
Inoculations and vaccinations are not required to travel to Mexico. Nonetheless, you are advised to consult your physician before travelling. In addition, you should be certain that your tetanus status is updated (within 6 years) and you may consider typhoid immunization (1 shot if immunity is established; otherwise, 2 shots one month apart). You may feel ill for 2 or 3 days following a typhoid shot. Gannett Health Center gives shots Monday through Friday (walk in).
Advice
You may experience stomach or intestinal disorders during the trip. New local micro-organisms can be disruptive. A Mexican coming to Ithaca may encounter the same problem. There is no safe medication to prevent you against this problem. You may wish to carry some kaopectate and pink bismuth tablets for relief of symptoms should they occur.
Doctors and experienced travelers have varying opinions, but most would agree that you can minimize your problems by adhering to the following rules:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Drink only bottled liquids. If you use bottled water, satisfy yourself that the cap was applied at the factory.
- Assure that ice has been manufactured from safe water. If not, avoid it.
- Do not eat uncooked items unless you have peeled it yourself.
- Do not eat "street food."
