What vaccines should i have for travel to south america
International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States. Find out which travel vaccines you may need to help you stay healthy on your trip.
Before Travel
Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines. Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.
Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information. Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing health concerns as well as your itinerary and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.
Because some vaccines require multiple doses, it’s best to see your health care provider as soon as possible.
Medicines to prevent malaria are pills that you start to take before travel. Take recommended medicines as directed. If your health care provider prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel.
Where can I get travel vaccines?
You may be able to get some travel vaccines from your primary healthcare provider. If you or your healthcare provider need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit CDC’s Find a Clinic page.
If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you’ll need to go to a vaccine center authorized to give yellow fever vaccinations. Many yellow fever vaccine centers also provide other pre-travel health care services. Find an authorized US yellow fever vaccine center.
Examples of Vaccines
Here is a list of possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel.
Vaccinations for South America: Make Sure You’re Prepared!
Vaccinations are many travellers least favourite part of preparing for a trip. It can be confusing to know which ones you need, let alone how far in advance you need them and how much they are going to cost! Despite the headache that travel vaccines may give you, they are one of the most important parts of preparing to travel which is why we’ve created this handy guide to make sure you have the right vaccinations for South America!
Disclaimer: This is probably a good time to remind everybody reading that we are not doctors and therefore you should always seek official medical advice before you travel. This post has been put together from hours of extensive research and personal experience. I repeat we are not doctors so make sure you book in to see yours!
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Book an Appointment at the Travel Clinic
You should visit your local GP or travel health clinic at least 6 weeks in advance to allow time for you to get all the vaccinations that you require for South America. This is because some vaccines have to be administrated in stages over a period of time. You don’t want to pay for your first two jabs before realising you don’t have time to get the final one!
Although anyone can opt to go to a travel clinic, those of you living in the UK may find that a trip to your registered doctor’s surgery may be enough. Some practices in the UK are able to administer travel vaccinations whereas others are not, so always inquire first.
We always advise consulting with a medical professional regarding travel vaccinations.
When you visit your travel clinic, make sure you tell them exactly where you are intending to visit, along with any adventure activities you have planned. Different jabs will be advised depending on where you are doing and what you are doing. For example, if you are going deep into the Amazon Rainforest for a period of time, you may need additional jabs compared to if you plan on staying in cities.
One of the questions that we see asked the most in our South America Backpacker Facebook Community is ‘My nurse said I should get this jab but my friend has just been to Brazil and didn’t need it. Should I get it?’
Advice between medical officials can differ but this doesn’t make it any less valuable. Weigh up the risk that you are willing to take to save a few bucks. Personally speaking, I always get whatever the travel clinic recommends me to. You may end up paying for something you didn’t need but most jabs have a long protection period that usually come in handy on future trips!
Despite this, it is important to know what is mandatory when it comes to travel vaccinations and what is just advised. The two are very different and vaccinations which are merely advisable will depend on where you’re going and what you’re doing (and in some cases budget).
Mandatory Vaccinations for South America
The following are all of the vaccinations required for South America. They are the ones that you should make absolutely sure you get if you are travelling to the continent.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease which is spread through contaminated food and water. If contracted, it can have very serious health implications which is why it is a required vaccination. It is most widespread in countries where food hygiene is of a poor standard, this means travellers are at higher risk of catching it.
Good to know: Depending on availability and your vaccine history, it is possible to combine the Hep A vaccination with Hep B or Typhoid. If you require Hep A as well as either of the other options, make sure you speak to your doctor or travel clinic to see whether a combined option is available.
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water.
Although some travel vaccinations are provided in the UK free of charge under the NHS, others will come with a fee. For more information on which vaccines the NHS cover the costs for, have a look at this travel vaccine information page.
How far in advance should you get vaccinated for Hepatitis A?
The Hepatitis A jab is administered in one dose and must be given, at the latest, two weeks before you travel.
This bacterial infection can be very dangerous if contracted as it affects your internal organs. Symptoms include constipation, headaches and a high temperature. Worse still, typhoid can be fatal. It is highly contagious and therefore very easy to catch if you come into direct contact with an infected person. It is also spread through contaminated food and drink.
Protection against typhoid comes in two forms. It can either be administered in a single vaccine where you will need a booster jab every three years. This will only apply if you continue to travel to areas where you are at risk of infection. The second option is via oral capsules. You would need to take four tablets every other day with the last being taken one week before you travel. A booster dose is required every five years if you are travelling again.
How far in advance should you get vaccinated for Typhoid?
The Typhoid vaccination consists of one jab and must be administered no later than two weeks before you travel.
Yellow fever is found in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. It is a tropical disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes. All travellers going to South America are recommended to get the vaccine and try to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Check out our ultimate South America packing list to see what items we recommend to keep the mosquitos at bay!
If you are travelling from a country at risk of yellow fever transmission, you could be asked to supply proof of immunisation upon arrival. This usually comes in the form of a small yellow booklet marked with your injection details. You will need to keep this document safe. Treat it like your passport as it is just as important and losing it could cause huge disruption to your backpacking trip.
Although proof of immunisation is not always enforced at borders, you would be very foolish not to invest in the vaccine if you find it is something that is required for one of the countries that you are intending to visit. Once administered, your Yellow Fever vaccination card is valid for life. This is also true of older vaccination cards, even if they have an expiry date on them.
The only people who may be recommended a booster injection will be people who fit all of the following criteria:
- You must be travelling to an area with a risk of Yellow Fever
- Your last Yellow Fever vaccination was more than 10 years ago
- You were last vaccinated when you were under two, had a weakened immune system or were pregnant.
How far in advance should you get vaccinated for Yellow Fever?
This vaccine consists of 1 dose which must be given at least 10 days prior to travelling.
As well as the injections mentioned above, you will also need to make sure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. That includes Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough.
Recommended Vaccinations for South America
Plenty of vaccines are recommended for travellers visiting South America. However, depending on your itinerary and route, you may find that some of these options are not applicable to you and your travels. In order to help you decide which ones you need, we’ll explain exactly what each jab protects against, where is advised and what the risks are.
Hepatitis B is a highly infectious viral infection. It is passed through contaminated blood and bodily fluids. As well as leading to serious liver problems, in extreme cases, it can be fatal.
Some of the most common methods of transmission are through sex, (always use protection guys) and also through having a piercing, tattoo or other medical treatment in an unhygienic place with unsterilised tools. For this reason, it is always worth carrying a sterile needle kit!
Good to know: Hepatitis B can actually be spread through sharing a toothbrush!
How far in advance should you get vaccinated for Hepatitis B?
The course of immunisation for Hepatitis B consists of three vaccines which are normally spread over a period of six months. However, if you depart for your trip sooner than this, never fear. This vaccine can be done in just 3 weeks if absolutely necessary. Be aware that you may already find that you have received this vaccine as a child but it is always best to check.
Although generally, the risk of backpackers contracting this disease is low, it is sometimes advised for those who intend to travel for an extended period of time and who plan to be in regular close contact with the population.
If you require this vaccine for travel, you will need to get the meningococcal meningitis with a MenACWY vaccine. This protects against 4 different strains of meningitis, the A, C, W and Y strains.
How far in advance should you get vaccinated for Meningitis?
This vaccine consists of a single injection which must be administered at least 2-3 weeks before travel.
Unfortunately, South America has a huge issue with stray dogs. As such, it is very commonplace to see feral animals roaming the streets and trust us when we say, not all of them are nice. If you are doing a lot of outdoor activities during your travels or spending time in rural locations, the rabies vaccination is advised.
To see whether rabies is present where you are going, check out this list of countries.
It is particularly important if you will be volunteering with animals or doing work/staying in places off the beaten track. Although the Rabies vaccine will not prevent the disease if you are bitten by a rabid animal, it will give you a longer window of time in which to seek medical assistance (24 hours increases to 72 hours). This is very useful if you are bitten outside of a major city.
Sadly, the rabies vaccine is one of the more costly vaccinations to get. In the UK, you can expect to pay around £120-£180 for a full course whereas in the US it can be between $197 – $957USD! This figure will depend on your location and whether or not you hold health insurance.
The Rabies vaccination is advised for travellers who are planning on volunteering with animals or looking to get off of the beaten track.
Rabies Prevention Tips!
If you decide not to invest in the vaccine, follow these tips to make sure you stay safe!
- Avoid touching or petting stray animals.
- Never run from an aggressive animal and instead pick up a stone as if you are going to throw it at them. You probably won’t need to but it is a good way to get them to back off.
- If you are bitten, scrub the wound with soap and water until all the saliva is removed. If you have alcohol or an iodine solution, use this to clean the wound before seeking urgent medical assistance.
How far in advance should you get vaccinated for Rabies?
The rabies vaccination consists of a course of three injections. They have to be administered at different times which means that this is a jab you need to adequately designate time for. Don’t forget to get vaccinated for Rabies at least 4 weeks before you leave for your trip.
Once you have received the injection, you may need to go for a booster if you are travelling to a high-risk area again or had your vaccination longer than a year ago.
Other health risks in South America
- Dengue fever
As many travellers will already know, Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitos. Unlike the mosquitos which carry the malaria virus, the ones which transmit Dengue are most present during daytime hours so it is important to protect yourself around the clock.
Symptoms include headaches, fever and severe muscle and joint pain. If you think you have contracted Dengue, you should seek medical advice from a doctor.
There are several vaccines for Dengue under development, although none are universally available and there is debate as to their effectiveness. The best way to protect yourself is therefore through bite prevention. Wear long sleeves when possible and use a mosquito repellent with a high DEET factor.
Malaria is an infection present in many different places all over the world. It is spread by the bite of infected female mosquitos which usually come out in the evening. Although, if caught quickly, malaria can be treated and cured, if left untreated the infection can be very serious and even prove fatal.
Malaria is not present everywhere in South America but you will still need to consult a medical professional or a malaria map to work out if you need to take precautionary tablets.
To access an up to date malaria map for your country of travel, click the link and select your destination.
Although bite avoidance is the most effective malaria protection, you may find that you are prescribed a course of malaria prevention pills prior to travel. There are a number of different kinds of anti-malarial tablets available, however, they vary in their side effects, how they are taken and what they do. Speak to your doctor or medical clinic for advice on the best ones for you.
If you are prescribed pills, make sure you follow the instructions exactly as these can be ineffective if taken incorrectly. Most courses will require you to begin taking them prior to travelling to an area of exposure. You may also be required to continue to take them even after you have left the high-risk area.
Another mosquito-spread disease, Zika generally poses a low risk to most people. The bite from an infected mosquito can cause a mild infection however, the effects can be very serious for pregnant women.
In order to lessen your chances of contracting the virus, take precautions to avoid being bitten by using a high factor DEET mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves when possible and also sleeping under a mosquito net in affected areas.
Vaccination Resources
For more information on any of the vaccinations in this article check out the following recommended resources:
- NHS Travel Vaccinations – An overview of the most common travel vaccinations and the parts of the world where they are advised.
- Travel Health Pro – Contains information regarding the water status of a country as well as STIs and food hygiene.
- Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – A highly recommended resource on travel vaccinations for travellers from the US.
- Fit For Travel – For backpackers looking for in-depth vaccination information regarding specific areas. They also have a malaria map for each country.
- London Travel Clinic – This is a great site for travellers from the UK who are looking to get an idea of vaccine prices at a private medical clinic.
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
Updated: Vaccinations for South America
If you’re heading off to explore the incredible continent of South America, or even just a small part of it, then it’s important that you include health on your travel checklist and understand the health risks associated with the countries you plan to visit. Why take unnecessary risks if there are vaccinations or other preventative measures you can take to ensure you avoid illness whilst on your travels that could ruin your adventure of a lifetime?
The Yellow Fever Vaccination is recommended. Photo credit: shutterstock.
Basic Vaccinations Guide
It’s best to visit your doctor or a traveller’s medical centre before you travel to ensure you have the latest, most up to date information on vaccinations for South America. As a very basic guide the following vaccinations are generally recommended, but it will depend on the countries that you are travelling to and even the part of the country in some cases.
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Whooping Cough
Hepatitis A & B (Twinrix)
Polio
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
Many of these you may have already had as childhood immunizations, but in some cases you may need a booster.
Recommended Vaccinations
Other vaccinations for South America that may be recommended for your travels include:
Yellow Fever
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningococcal, meningitis vaccination and malaria medications may also be recommended depending on when, where, and for how long you are travelling.
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a viral illness that is spread by mosquito bite. It is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions of South America, although cases of tourists contracting the disease are pretty rare. Generally if you are travelling to the jungle regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, the Guianas, Paraguay, Peru, Panama and Venezuela then your medical centre will advise that you have a yellow fever vaccination. It is important that you carry your vaccination certificate with you on your South American travels, as at some airports you may be asked for evidence of vaccination on arrival or departure.
For some states of Brazil (generally in or around the Amazon rainforest), it is compulsory for all travellers to have a vaccination against Yellow Fever. It is also compulsory for all travellers to have a vaccination against Yellow Fever if entering Brazil through the following countries in South America:
Bolivia
Colombia
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Peru
Suriname
Venezuela
An international certificate of vaccination is often required for travellers returning to Australia from destinations where yellow fever is known to be present. If you do not hold a vaccination certificate, you will still be permitted to enter Australia, but on arrival, a biosecurity officer from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will provide you with a Yellow Fever Action Card. This card provides instructions on what you should do if you develop any symptoms of yellow fever in the six-day period following your departure from a yellow fever risk country.
Example of an International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
An international certificate of vaccination is often required for travellers returning to Australia from destinations where yellow fever is known to be present.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria (Salmonella Typhi) found in contaminated food and water. The bacteria is found in the faeces and sometimes urine of infected individuals and so typhoid fever is more common in less-developed countries where there is poor sanitation, poor hygiene and food handling standards and untreated drinking water. Raw fruit and vegetables and shellfish from contaminated water are often associated with typhoid. Typhoid fever is endemic in the developing world and vaccination is recommended for travellers to areas where environmental sanitation and personal hygiene may be poor.
A rabies vaccination is recommended if you’re planning to get in contact with animals. Photo credit: shutterstock.
Rabies
Rabies is a serious and potentially deadly viral infection that is transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected mammal, usually via an animal bite. The risk of contracting rabies increases with extended travel and the likelihood of contact with animals. Dogs and other canines as well as bats are most commonly associated with transmitting the rabies virus, but other culprits include cats, monkeys and racoons. Depending on your South American destination, the length of your trip and the activities you plan on including, a rabies vaccination may be recommended to you. If you plan to work on a farm for example, or work with animals in some other way, then you certainly may wish to consider this vaccination for South America. Plan ahead for this as the vaccination actually involves a series of three injections over a four week period.
So before you embark on your travels, see your doctor or visit a travel clinic to discuss and plan the vaccinations for South America that you may need to consider. Check out these websites as well for some further information:
https://www.traveldoctor.com.au
Malaria
Although there is no vaccination against malaria, this mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in South America, especially in the tropical regions. So if you are heading into the Amazon for example, then you need to take a few precautions. The best way to avoid malaria is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito. Wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially at those times of the day when the mosquitos are most prevalent. Use insect repellent and consider taking prophylactic medication – your doctor or your travel clinic will be able to give advice and make recommendations to you.
Hydration is of great importance in high altitudes. Photo credit: Shutterstock.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is another risk you need to be aware of when travelling through South America, in particular at altitudes above 2,000m, but again there is no vaccination against this. The only way to avoid altitude sickness is to ascend gradually to higher altitudes allowing time to acclimatise. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water.
Staying healthy whilst travelling involves understanding the health risks in your chosen destination (or destinations) and being aware of how to avoid or minimise the risks. This may include being protected through vaccinations for South America, using specific medicines to avoid disease and ensuring that you eat and drink carefully. In many countries it is not safe to drink the tap water and it is often best to avoid eating fruit and vegetables that cannot be peeled, unless you are sure they have been washed or cooked in safe, clean water.
The information above was correct as of November 2018, but vaccination requirements and regulations can sometimes change, so it is always advisable to check with your doctor or a travel clinic prior to your travels.
Source https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines
Source https://southamericabackpacker.com/vaccinations-south-america/
Source https://www.chimuadventures.com/blog/2017/08/vaccinations-south-america/