Travelers planning to apply for a Visa to Kuwait should visit their doctor at least 6 weeks before their trip to allow plenty of time to get the vaccinations required for Kuwait. Sometimes 2 doses of an injection are required and they are administered weeks apart, which is why 6 weeks is the recommended time.
There are a number of recommended vaccinations for Kuwait though none of them are obligatory. This guide will explain which vaccinations you need for Kuwait, however, it is always best to seek professional medical advice before traveling to Kuwait.
What Vaccinations do I Need for Kuwait?
There are some vaccinations for Kuwait which every traveler going there needs. There are also some vaccines which only certain groups of travelers are advised to get.
Vaccinations for Kuwait which everyone should get
Make sure you are up-to-date with the following vaccinations before traveling to Kuwait.
Routine vaccines
There are a number of routine vaccinations which all travelers should make sure are up-to-date before every trip. These vaccinations include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the polio vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, and the yearly flu shot.
Measles
How many doses of the measles vaccination you need before going to Kuwait depends on your age.
- 6-11 months old: 1 dose of the MMR vaccine before traveling.
- 12 months+: 2 doses of the MMR vaccine before traveling (given 28 days apart). Only 1 dose is needed if written documentation of a previously-given dose is provided.
Vaccinations for Kuwait which only some people need
When you go to see your doctor, they will ask you a series of questions about which parts of the country you plan to visit and what activities you will be doing. It may the case that you need some of the following vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can be caught through contaminated food or water. Travelers can catch hepatitis A regardless of which part of the country they plan to visit.
Typhoid
Visitors can catch typhoid through contaminated food or water in Kuwait. The vaccine is especially important for people staying in rural areas.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread through sexual contact, needles, and blood products. Travelers who may have sex with a new partner or who plan to get a tattoo or piercing should get this vaccine.
Rabies
Rabies is not a risk to most travelers. However, as it is found in dogs, bats, and other animals in Kuwait, the following groups of travelers should make sure they have been vaccinated against it:
- Travelers involved in outdoor activities (such as caving).
- Visitors who will be in contact with animals (this includes children who are often attracted to animals).
- People who plan to stay in rural areas of Kuwait.
Other Health Advice for Kuwait
In addition to getting the vaccinations needed for Kuwait, visitors should also take some sensible precautions to minimize potential health risks. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
- Minimize exposure to germs – Keep you hands clean by washing them regularly and try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Prevent bug bites and stay away from animals – Use insect repellent and use other mosquito-repelling products such as plugins and DEET.
- Know what to do in an emergency – Make sure you have medical insurance, take necessary medical supplies with you, and keep a list of local hospitals and doctors.
