There are no required vaccinations for Panama, but among those recommended are yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, and hepatitis A and B.
Chikungunya
Viral infection transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
There is a possible or actual presence of the chikungunya virus in the entire country.
Protection against mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available.
Dengue
Viral infection transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
There is a possible or actual presence of the dengue virus.
Protection against mosquito bites. Vaccination is not recommended for travelers.
Hepatitis A
Viral infection transmitted by contaminated water and food.
There is a risk of hepatitis A in the entire country.
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travelers undergoing a trip under vulnerable conditions of hygiene. It is particularly recommended for people suffering from a chronic liver disease or cystic fibrosis. People who have already been infected are protected.
Hepatitis B
Viral infection transmitted through unprotected sex or blood.
High risk of hepatitis B in the entire country.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended to travelers who practice unsafe sex and intravenous drug as well as for frequent or extended trips to this country.
Malaria
Parasitic infection transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Ngobe Bugle, Veraguas, Colón, Panama, Guna Yala : Risk of malaria transmission only for stays in rural environnements.
- Colombian border (Darien State), San Blas Islands : Risk of malaria transmission all year long,
- City and canal of Panama: No risk of malaria,
- Rest of the country: No risk of malaria.
Rabies
Viral infection transmitted by bites and/or minor contact that goes unnoticed (lick on scratched skin, scratch, etc.) with an infected animal (dog, bat, etc.). Once declared, the disease is fatal in all cases.
Risk of rabies in the entire country.
Vaccination is recommended for travellers who are on a long or more adventurous trip in isolated locations and particularly young children as soon as they can walk. However, despite the preventive vaccination, curative treatment must be implemented as soon as possible in the event of
suspected or actual exposure.
Typhoid fever
Bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated water and food. Risk of typhoid fever n the entire country. Vaccination is recommended for travellers on a long trip or travelling in poor conditions. Vaccination should not be used as a substitute for precautionary measures regarding water, food and hand washing.
Yellow fever
Viral infection transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Eastern half of the country : Yellow fever is endemic. Trips are not recommended if the vaccination cannot be performed.
Rest of the country: No risk of yellow fever
Zika
Viral infection transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes that usually bite during the daytime. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact. Risk of Zika virus infection in the entire country. Protection against mosquito bites and safe sex practices. No vaccine available.
SAFETY
Tourist-oriented crime is uncommon in Panama. Crime is a problem in parts of Panama City, though the city’s better districts are safer than in many other capitals. The city of Colón has street crime, so consult hotel staff on areas to avoid. Parts of Darién Province bordering Colombia are still a staging ground for narcotraffickers and human traffickers.