Vaccination Schedule in Mauritius 2026: A Complete Guide for Families and Travellers
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your family against serious infectious diseases. In Mauritius, the government provides a free childhood immunisation programme, while adults and travellers may need additional vaccines depending on their age, health status, and travel plans.
This guide provides a clear overview of the vaccination schedule in Mauritius for 2026, covering childhood immunisations, adult boosters, travel vaccines, the annual flu shot, and how to get vaccinated at home through Medecin a Domicile.
Childhood Vaccination Schedule in Mauritius
Mauritius follows a national childhood immunisation programme aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Vaccines are provided free of charge at government health centres and are essential for protecting children against potentially life-threatening diseases.
Birth
BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) is given at birth or as soon as possible after. This vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB), which remains a global health concern. It is given as an injection in the upper left arm and leaves a small scar. Hepatitis B (first dose) is also given at birth to protect against the hepatitis B virus, which can cause serious liver disease.
6 weeks
At 6 weeks, the baby receives the first dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB, a combination vaccine that protects against six diseases in one injection: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio (inactivated polio vaccine), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and hepatitis B. The first dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is also given at this age, protecting against pneumococcal infections that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections in young children. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is also administered.
10 weeks
The second dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB is given, continuing the series started at 6 weeks. The second dose of OPV is also given at this age.
14 weeks
The third dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB completes the primary series for these six diseases. The second dose of PCV and third dose of OPV are also administered at this age.
9 months
The first dose of measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is given. Measles remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally, despite being entirely preventable through vaccination. Rubella (German measles) can cause serious birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.
12 months
The third dose of PCV is given, completing the pneumococcal series. A booster dose of DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB is also given at this age.
18 months
The second dose of MR vaccine is administered, providing long-lasting protection against measles and rubella. A booster dose of OPV may also be given.
4 to 6 years
Before starting primary school, children receive booster doses of DTaP-IPV (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio) to reinforce immunity. A booster dose of MR vaccine may also be given at this stage.
Important notes for parents
Keep your child’s vaccination card (carnet de sante) safe and bring it to every appointment. If you miss a scheduled vaccine, contact your nearest health centre to catch up. Vaccination does not need to restart from the beginning if a dose is missed. Side effects are usually mild and temporary: slight fever, redness at the injection site, and fussiness. These are normal signs that the immune system is responding. If your child develops a high fever after vaccination, paracetamol can be given. If you are concerned, call 86121 for a home doctor assessment.
Adult Vaccination Recommendations in Mauritius
Vaccination is not just for children. Adults need boosters and additional vaccines to maintain protection throughout life.
Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster
Adults should receive a Td booster every 10 years. Tetanus bacteria are found in soil, dust, and animal manure and can enter the body through cuts and wounds. In Mauritius, where outdoor activities, gardening, and agricultural work are common, keeping your tetanus immunity up to date is essential.
Annual influenza (flu) vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended annually for all adults, with particular importance for people over 65, pregnant women, individuals with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease), healthcare workers, and anyone who wants to reduce their risk of influenza. In Mauritius, flu season runs approximately from April to October. Medecin a Domicile offers the Trivalent Influenza Vaccine 2026 administered at home anywhere on the island.
Hepatitis B
Adults who were not vaccinated as children should consider the hepatitis B series, especially healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and those who may be exposed to blood or body fluids in their work.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Adults born after 1957 who have not had two doses of MMR or who do not have confirmed immunity should receive at least one dose. With measles cases rising globally in 2025 and 2026, ensuring MMR immunity is particularly important for international travellers.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Recommended for adults over 65 and younger adults with chronic health conditions. Protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine
Recommended for adults over 50. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus and produces a painful, blistering rash that can lead to long-term nerve pain.
Travel Vaccines for Mauritius
If you are visiting Mauritius from abroad, or if you are a Mauritius resident travelling internationally, there are specific vaccine considerations.
For visitors coming to Mauritius
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry to Mauritius, unless you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, in which case a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Mauritius: hepatitis A (spread through contaminated food and water), typhoid (spread through contaminated food and water), ensuring routine vaccines are up to date (Tdap, MMR, polio), influenza (flu season in Mauritius runs April to October), and hepatitis B (for longer stays or if exposure to blood/body fluids is possible).
Malaria is not present in Mauritius, so antimalarial medication is not needed. However, mosquito-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya are present. There is no widely available vaccine for dengue or chikungunya in Mauritius; mosquito bite prevention is the primary protection.
If you fall ill during your visit, a doctor can visit your hotel room 24/7. Call 86121.
For Mauritius residents travelling abroad
Depending on your destination, you may need additional vaccines such as yellow fever (required for entry to many African and South American countries), typhoid, hepatitis A, rabies (for rural travel in certain regions), Japanese encephalitis (for extended travel in Asia), and meningococcal vaccine (required for Hajj pilgrimage). Consult a travel health professional or your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines.
Getting Vaccinated at Home in Mauritius
Not everyone can easily travel to a health centre for vaccination. Elderly patients, young children, individuals with mobility limitations, and busy professionals may find it difficult to attend a clinic. That is why Medecin a Domicile provides home vaccination services across Mauritius.
Flu vaccination at home
The Trivalent Influenza Vaccine 2026 is available at home for Rs 1,700 per person, with Rs 1,500 per additional person at the same location. The price includes the vaccine (imported from France under refrigerated cold chain), doctor’s consultation, transport anywhere in Mauritius, and all vaccination materials. A doctor visits your home, assesses eligibility, administers the injection, and monitors for any immediate reactions.
Corporate flu vaccination
Businesses can arrange on-site corporate flu vaccination programs for employees. A medical team visits the workplace and vaccinates staff on-site during the workday, minimising disruption and reducing absenteeism. Contact doctor@medecin.mu for corporate group pricing.
Other vaccinations
If you need a specific vaccine and are unable to travel to a health centre, call 86121 to discuss your needs. A home doctor can administer many routine and travel vaccines at your home, office, or hotel.
Why Vaccination Matters in Mauritius
Mauritius has achieved high childhood vaccination coverage rates, consistently above 90% for most routine vaccines according to WHO data. This has been critical in preventing outbreaks of diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio.
However, protection is not permanent without booster doses, and new threats continue to emerge. The 2025 chikungunya resurgence, the ongoing dengue risk, and the global hantavirus outbreak of 2026 all remind us that infectious diseases do not respect borders. Staying up to date with vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are childhood vaccinations free in Mauritius?
Yes. The national childhood immunisation programme provides all routine vaccines free of charge at government health centres across Mauritius.
Can I get the flu vaccine at home?
Yes. Medecin a Domicile provides the Trivalent Influenza Vaccine 2026 at home anywhere in Mauritius. The cost is Rs 1,700 per person, including the vaccine, consultation, transport, and materials. Call 86121 to book.
What vaccines do I need to visit Mauritius?
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Mauritius unless you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccines (Tdap, MMR, polio) are up to date are recommended by the CDC and WHO.
Do adults need booster vaccines?
Yes. Adults should receive a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years, an annual flu vaccine, and may need additional vaccines depending on age and health status (pneumococcal, shingles, hepatitis B, MMR).
What if my child misses a scheduled vaccination?
Contact your nearest health centre to catch up. Vaccination series do not need to restart from the beginning if a dose is missed. The doctor will advise on the appropriate catch-up schedule.
Can a home doctor give vaccinations to my elderly parent?
Yes. Elderly home doctor visits can include flu vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, and other recommended immunisations. A doctor visits the patient at home, which is safer and more comfortable than travelling to a clinic. Call 86121.
Keeping your family’s vaccinations up to date is one of the most important things you can do for their health. If you need a vaccine administered at home, at your workplace, or at your hotel, call 86121 or visit medecin.mu.
