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Travel Vaccines and Advice for Antarctica
Located at Southern-most edge of the world, Antarctica is filled with towering glaciers and arctic wildlife. Known as the coldest continent on Earth, Antarctica is not for the fainthearted. It’s frigid climate and icy terrain are a challenge for even the most experienced of travelers.
Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventurer looking for an escape, this arctic wonderland is perfect for all travelers!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Antarctica?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Antarctica
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Antarctica?
What Is the Climate Like in Antarctica?
How Safe Is Antarctica?
Polar Plunge at Deception Island
What Should I Take to Antarctica?
U.S. Consular Services in Antarctica
Do I Need Vaccines for Antarctica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Antarctica. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Antarctica: hepatitis A, polio, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Antarctica |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Antarctica |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
Traveling to Antarctica does increase the risk of influenza, measles and mumps. Other vaccines should be considered based on what countries you are traveling to on your way to Antarctica.
Severe low temperatures and high winds are the primary health hazards of visiting Antarctica. Be sure to pack all the essential items necessary to maintain your health while traveling to this continent.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy In Antarctica
Food and Water Safety in Antarctica
While dining abroad, prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practicing hand hygiene, and selecting fully cooked dishes. Opt for sealed bottled or canned drinks. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by adhering to hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Altitude Sickness in Antarctica
When ascending to high altitudes, beware of altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness due to reduced oxygen levels. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, staying hydrated, and possibly using medications like acetazolamide. If symptoms appear, swift descent to lower elevations, rest, and medical evaluation are essential.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Antarctica?
To enter into Antarctica, a valid passport is required. It is also required for travel through the country or countries that you transit through en route to and from Antarctica.
The U.S. Department of State urges travelers participating in an expedition to or throughout Antarctica to follow the guidelines set forth by the Arctic Treaty.
Make sure you book passage on an Arctic Treaty-approved vessel. If you are organizing a private expedition, you are required to notify the Department of State at least three months before traveling to Antarctica.
What Is the Climate Like in Antarctica?
Antarctica’s climate is anything but typical. Travel to this region requires extensive research and preparation due to the year-round cold and dry climate.
The average high temperature is around -50 degrees. Lows can dip into the -60’s.
December brings the warmest temperatures of the year. Highs are in the -20’s. July is on record as the coldest month of the year, with average highs near negative 80.
Catabian winds can cause violent snowstorms that can last for extensive periods of time. Antarctica also experiences polar-summer and polar winter which feature periods of continual daylight and darkness.
How Safe Is Antarctica?
The biggest safety concern for travelers to Antarctica, is the weather. Harsh climate conditions pose a threat to traveler’s health if they are not prepared.
Due to the small population and lack of consistent residents, Antarctica does not have an established government. There is virtually no crime. The continent generally hosts adventurous tourists and researchers. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty.
Polar Plunge at Deception Island
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Traveling to Antarctica is an adventure in itself. The unique continent boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse views in the world. Travelers from every edge of the globe have visited the arctic tundra to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
The world-famous Polar Plunge is one of the most iconic experiences offered in Antarctica. Brave travelers can hop aboard a scenic boat ride to Deception Island, located south of Argentina. From there, visitors will have the chance to explore the island for up to an hour. Once the hour is up, visitors wishing to to take a dip in the cold, arctic waters, will face their moment of truth. The quick swim is at the end of each trip, so that adventurists can quickly board their vessels and warm up!
What Should I Take to Antarctica?
- Knee High Waterproof Boots – Unless you’re a researcher, you’ll likely be visiting on a cruise ship. Insulated waterproof boots are necessary when getting from the cruise ship to uninhabited shores.
- Sunscreen – Although it may not be your first thought when packing your bags, sunscreen is essential for your trip to Antarctica. The ozone layer is thinnest above Antarctica, and there is an intense glare from the white snow.
- Seasickness Medication – If you are prone to seasickness, medication may be a lifesaver. While there are many brands, there are also other remedies such as ginger and scopolamine patches. The Drake Passage between the tip of South America and the continent of Antarctica is the roughest stretch of ocean in the world. Make sure you’re prepared with whatever will work best for you!
U.S. Consular Services in Antarctica
The United States doesn’t have an embassy in Antarctica because Antarctica doesn’t have a government or permanent population. The United States has three research stations in Antarctica. If you want to visit Antarctica, you may need permission from the country that manages the area you plan to visit. In the United States’ case, you might need permission from the National Science Foundation.
Usually, permission is given for science or education reasons, not for tourism.
It’s important to research the specific rules and requirements of the country or organization that manages the area you plan to visit.
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Antarctica
“I was unaware that a place like Passport Health existed. We were very lucky to find a service that allowed me to get the needed vaccines as well as someone who knew a lot about Antarctica. The nurse explained, in detail, many aspects of having a safe trip. I will be recommending Passport Health services to my fellow classmates!!”
“I was not really sure what to expect going into my appointment. Everybody was super friendly and willing to answer ALL (and there were a ton) of my questions about what I needed, what I could skip, what I should expect, and what I could afford. I felt comfortable right away and left feeling even more excited for my upcoming trip to Antarctica.”