Vaccines and Health Tips for Petra Jordan

Table of Contents

Petra is Jordan’s ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, and visitors find a unique blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, and offers visitors a chance to walk a vast archaeological park, offering miles of trails to explore ancient tombs and temples. But, before setting on on this breath-taking adventure, be sure you are armed with health information and vaccinations to keep you well while you’re away.

Travel Vaccines for Petra Jordan

When planning your trip to Petra and Jordan, it’s crucial to ensure you’re up-to-date travel vaccinations recommended by CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) including;

Typhoid Fever vaccine is highly recommended for most travelers to Jordan. Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water, and illness can require hospitalization.  

Hepatitis A is another essential vaccine for all travelers to Jordan. Like typhoid fever, hepatitis A is also transmitted through contaminated food and water.  The vaccine provides excellent protection against this viral liver disease.
 
Rabies vaccine should be considered for some travelers planning extended stays, particularly in rural areas.  Rabies is spread from the bite of an infected animal, often from stray dogs.  Because there is no treatment for a rabies infection, vaccination can be life-saving decision.

Routine Vaccinations for Jordan

Before departing to Jordan, check your vaccine records to ensure you’re up-to-date on routine immunizations including; COVID, hepatitis B, influenza, MMR (measles), polio, and Tdap (tetanus).  While some routine vaccines protect for lifetime after receiving a full series, others need booster doses. 

Keep in mind, travelers 60 years and older may also need protection against shingles, pneumonia, and RSV before leaving for Jordan. 

Vaccinations to protect against typhoid fever and hepatitis A are recommended for visitors to Petra Jordan

Food and Water Precautions

To avoid traveler’s diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses while visiting Petra and Jordan:

  • Drink only bottled treated water
  • Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes
  • Eat thoroughly cooked foods and fruits you can peel yourself
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish
  • Be wary of dairy products that may not have been pasteurized
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Do I Need Malaria Tablets for Jordan?

Malaria is not a concern in Jordan and medication to prevent infection is not necessary for any region of Jordan including travel to Amman, Aqaba, Petra, or Wadi Rum.

Other mosquito and insect diseases like dengue fever and leishmaniasis are known to occur in Jordan, but the risk is very low for most travelers.  It is still be a good idea to take a DEET quality insect repellant along with your sunscreen. 

Additional Health Tips

Stay hydrated: Petra’s desert climate can be harsh, so drink plenty of bottled water to avoid dehydration.

Protect against the sun: Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from intense sunlight

Be cautious with animals: Avoid contact with stray animals to reduce the risk of rabies exposure and wash your hands well with soap and water after interacting with camels.

Visit Destination Health Clinic Before Your Trip to Petra Jordan

We invite you to schedule a pre-travel consultation to receive vaccinations and additional health advice for your trip to Jordan.  Call your nearest office for an appointment or book online at any of our three Massachusetts offices; Braintree – South Shore,  Springfield – Longmeadow, or Natick – Framingham office. 

Before your adventure to Petra visit a travel clinic for a pre-travel health consultation
Tagged