## Can You Travel to South America Without a Vaccine?
Traveling to South America is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be aware of the health risks and take the necessary precautions to stay healthy. One of the most important things to consider is whether or not you need to get vaccinated before your trip.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is the only vaccine that is required for entry into South America for all travelers over 9 months of age. This vaccine is recommended for all travelers to South America, regardless of destination or length of stay.
The yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus. The vaccine is given as a single injection and is typically effective for 10 years.
There are some contraindications to the yellow fever vaccine, including:
Pregnancy
Children under 9 months of age
People with certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS or leukemia
If you have any concerns about getting the yellow fever vaccine, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Other Recommended Vaccines
In addition to the yellow fever vaccine, there are a number of other vaccines that are recommended for travelers to South America. These include:
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Typhoid vaccine
Rabies vaccine
Meningococcal vaccine
These vaccines are not required for entry into South America, but they can help to protect you from serious diseases. If you are planning on traveling to a high-risk area, such as the Amazon rainforest, you may want to consider getting vaccinated against these diseases.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria is a serious disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine for malaria, but there are a number of medications that can help to prevent the disease.
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travelers to areas of South America where malaria is a risk. The type of medication that is recommended will vary depending on your destination and the length of your stay.
If you are planning on traveling to a malaria-risk area, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to protect yourself.
Other Health Considerations
In addition to vaccines and malaria prophylaxis, there are a number of other health considerations to keep in mind when traveling to South America. These include:
Altitude sickness – Altitude sickness can occur when you travel to high altitudes. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. To avoid altitude sickness, ascend to higher altitudes gradually and drink plenty of fluids.
Sun exposure – The sun’s rays are strong in South America. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Waterborne diseases – Waterborne diseases can be a risk in South America. Be sure to drink bottled water or boil water before drinking it. You should also avoid eating raw food, especially fruits and vegetables.
Zika virus – The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas where the Zika virus is present.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling to South America.