Risk / Health Info for Cocos

Your regular shots should be up to date if you plan to visit the Cocos Islands. The hepatitis A and typhoid shots are recommended, as they can be contracted through food or water. If you might come in contact with blood or body fluid, for example if you work in healthcare or dentistry, you should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Children should also get hep B shots before they go to the Cocos Islands.

Divers should wear reef shoes in the waters off the Cocos Islands.

Protect yourself against mosquito bites, as chikungunya has been reported on the Cocos Islands.

There are healthcare clinics on both Home Island and West Island, with 24-hour emergency nursing service available. For more information, visit the Shire of Cocos Keeling Islands website. Remember your Canadian health plan does not cover you when you leave the country, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority for information about travel insurance before you leave for the Cocos Islands.

Take along a full supply of any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, you might need, because they may be in short supply on the Cocos Islands.

There is no risk of yellow fever in the Cocos Islands, but if you have come from a country that does have yellow fever you will need to prove you have been vaccinated. Talk to one of our travel health advisers about how to protect yourself.