Jamaica - Health

Health care in Jamaica is free to all citizens and residents. There are normally long queues at public health facilities. Health facilities do vary on the island, the best facilities being located in Kingstown.

For visitors, medical treatment can be expensive. Hospitals and doctors often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Adequate travel insurance is recommended.

There is one hyperbaric chamber in Jamaica. It is located in Discovery Bay at the Marine Lab.

https://www.mona.uwi.edu/cms/dbml/facilities.html

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip.

The CDC recommends vaccinations for Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B.

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission.

Food and Water Concerns:

Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the island, except in the far-flung rural areas. However, it is safest to stick with bottled water, which is widely available.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya have been confirmed in Jamaica.

https://www.moh.gov.jm/?s=chikungunya#

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Other Diseases:

Every year, influenza activity in Jamaica begins to increase from October to November, peaks between December to March, and can last until May. The Ministry of Health and Wellness confirms two strains of flu circulating in Jamaica during flu season: Influenza A H3N2 and Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09.

Prescription Drugs:

Most pharmacies are well-supplied, but important medications may not be consistently available. Make sure to bring adequate supplies of all your prescription drugs.

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.

Useful links:

• Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  December 2023