Vaccinations for South America

[admin]

Leaving late Feb for a long(ish) trip to South America. Will be visiting Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Mexico.

Went too my GP for advice on what vaccinations to have and was given an extensive list including Yellow Fever, Hep A&B, Typhoid, Rabies, Tetanus etc etc. I understand that Yellow Fever is pretty much compulsory and had that vaccination.

I realise that my GP is being cautious and recommends everything to everyone. Personally, I'm prepared to run a slight risk and not subject my body to what I consider to be unnecessary vaccinations.

Would appreciate advice from AFFers who have travelled to those destinations.

 

[kpc]

I only had the Yellow Fever one (as compulsory) when I went to Sth America (x4 ). If you are not up to date with tetanus, that would make sense. Unless you are likely to be bitten by rabies infected animals, i personally wouldn't be rushing for the rabies one. Hep A + B, typhoid are always recommended for everyone for most countries but I did not get them . I don't think malaria is an issue in Sth America but have not checked...

 

[VPS]

I usually find the Travellers vaccination centres more practical

Check it out here

Destinations | Travel Doctor-TMVC

 

[RooFlyer]

I gotta say, I'd get the lot (and have, except rabies), but agree with VPS about going to a specialist travel doctor.

Must get my meningococcal and typhoid up-to-date, though.

 

[opusman]

Vaccines are safe. Why risk getting sick?

 

[juddles]

It depends a lot too about your style of travel - will you be in fancy hotels or are you trekking out into the wilderness?

And for the record, malaria is still big in South America - pretty much think the entire Amazon basin, so if you are doing the amazon, there is a risk. (It is not only in the amazon as we get it on the pacific coast too in Colombia)

 

[drron]

I agree with the Yellow Fever.I have never been asked to present evidence when returning to the US or home.Have seen though a woman denied entry to South Africa because she didn't have it.

 

[zig]

I’ve had all except rabies. I have had 4 trips to South America and have only been asked to show evidence of YF vaccination once.

 

[JohnM]

I have the lot, except for rabies and meningococcal, and I always check for any likelihood of malaria on the path I'm taking and take the prophylaxis (I use doxycycline - never any noticeable side effects) if there is the slightest risk.

I have my vaccination booklet permanently stapled into the back of my passport so it's always at hand at immigration.

 

[amaroo]

We went with Yellow Fever and Hep A / Typhoid ..... also packed Bushman 40% DEET on advice from the doc. With Tetanus I always seem to be covered due all sorts of silly accidents every ten years or so....

 

[lakeman]

We went with Yellow Fever and Hep A / Typhoid ..... also packed Bushman 40% DEET on advice from the doc. With Tetanus I always seem to be covered due all sorts of silly accidents every ten years or so....

Real world vs travel vaccination clinic advice differs and the latter and travel agents over recommend vaccines.
Amaroos plan seems sensible and checking tetanus status (boostrix for those parents and grandparents).
Curly questions arise re polio in a few areas of the world and Malaria can be tricky.I have seen Malaria in someone taking the recommended doxycycline in New Guinea , so South America where there is more likelihood of resistance may present an issue.
I can understand why it would be easier to recommend everything.
Oh and I was delayed for 30 mins after returning from Argentina when I didnt have yellow fever vaccination, had to do a talk and a form.
It is easier to get a vaccination now as it is considered to be lifelong protection.

 

[amaroo]

Related to the topic...

Tourists warned on Sao Paulo yellow fever

Yellow fever emergency in Brazil state

 

[RB]

We went with Yellow Fever and Hep A / Typhoid ..... also packed Bushman 40% DEET on advice from the doc. With Tetanus I always seem to be covered due all sorts of silly accidents every ten years or so....

We have used Mosi-guard as an alternative to Bushmans. Not sure if all the claims are true but has worked for us About the DEET free insect repellent that repels mosquitoes — Mosi-guard

 

[UP4014]

Travelled to Peru and Mexico.

Didn't have any vaccinations at all and no problems.

But I can understand why people would, rabies, poor hygiene, lack of clean water....

 

[JohnM]

Travelled to Peru and Mexico.

Didn't have any vaccinations at all and no problems.

But I can understand why people would, rabies, poor hygiene, lack of clean water....

In the absence of an epidemic, the chances of getting infected with serious diseases is low in most places - but the it's the dire consequences if you do succumb that makes vaccination extremely safe and cheap insurance (and that's all it really is).

 

[amaroo]

Must get my meningococcal and typhoid up-to-date, though.

Right on cue, my daughter has brought home a foot long consent form for year 10 meningococcal ACWY vaccination.

 

[bPeteb]

We've been to South America twice in the last two years. Buenos Aires-Iguazu-Lima-Peruvian Amazon-Cuzco-Inca Trail-Lima-BA. Last year Brazil - Sao Paulo-Pantanal-Brasilia-Sao Luis-Maranhenses. I have no spleen. We went to Senegal 10 years ago this year and needed yellow fever as we were then going to Brazil. We used DEET repellent on these two recent SA trips. No malaria drugs. Both got typhoid shots. I consulted my GP who knows my medical history very well.

 

[Anna]

A few years ago when I went to South America (on QF, in F for 100,000 points return!) I got sent to the supervisor’s desk on returning when I didn’t have a YF certificate. Because I had only been in Rio and Buenos Aires it was fine. He said he would have been more concerned if I had been to Iguassu Falls, the Amazon etc.

 

[Fifa]

Don’t forget that your private health fund will refund part of the cost of vaccinations.

 

[UP4014]

In the absence of an epidemic, the chances of getting infected with serious diseases is low in most places - but the it's the dire consequences if you do succumb that makes vaccination extremely safe and cheap insurance (and that's all it really is).

I agree, it was a trip at the very last minute, ie one or two days notice.