South America Travel Vaccinations

South America is a popular destination to travel to, including countries like Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. When traveling from Canada to South America, it's important to be aware of the different vaccines that are recommended or even required for your specific destination. Maintaining your health and safety during your trip and complying with the destination's travel regulations and vaccination requirements are important aspects of traveling. One way of ensuring your health is making sure that your body can handle the risks of a new environment might pose.  The best way of counteracting this is through travel vaccines, as they help protect against diseases that may be more common in other countries. 

At Amani, we offer a specialized travel consultation and travel vaccination. Our travel health specialists will assess your individual situation, inform you of the health risks and preventive measures associated with your destination, and provide you with personalized vaccination and medication recommendations to ensure your health and well-being during your travels.

Before traveling, we recommend you speak to one of our travel vaccine specialists. We offer our expertise and specific recommendations based on your individual health/history of health, the length of your trip, and your planned activities while in South America.

The following are some of the most common vaccines recommended for travelers visiting South America:

• Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and occurs in certain areas of South America and Africa. For entry into South American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required. Some countries require proof even if the traveler is only passing through. We are a Yellow Fever designated Centre by Public Health Agency of Canada It is important that you contact us well in advance of your trip to ensure that the vaccine is available, often the manufacturer of Yellow Fever Vaccine experiences shortages.

• Hepatitis A: An infection of the liver caused by a virus, Hepatitis A is spread through food or water that has been contaminated. South American travelers, especially those staying in less developed or rural areas, are more susceptible to exposure due to the environment. Staying protected against this requires two doses of the vaccine.

• Typhoid: Generally, typhoid is spread through contaminated water or food. The risk of exposure is higher for travelers who stay in rural or less developed areas of South America.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): These vaccines protect against three bacterial diseases that can cause serious illness. Tetanus is commonly known as "lockjaw" and can cause muscle stiffness and spasms. Diphtheria can cause a severe throat infection, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause severe coughing spells.

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): In addition to preventing cholera and pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) can also prevent polio. Tetanus causes stiffness and spasms in muscles and is commonly known as "lockjaw". It is possible to develop a severe throat infection from diphtheria, and a severe coughing spell from pertussis, which is also called whooping cough.

• Rabies: Mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR): These are viral diseases that can cause serious health problems. South Americans who have not had the diseases themselves, or who haven't been vaccinated against them, may wish to get vaccinated before traveling.

The best way to reduce the risk of getting sick while traveling is to take preventive measures beyond taking vaccines. Aside from the recommended vaccines, our experts recommend using insect repellent, practicing good food and water safety, and taking steps to prevent the spread of disease by washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.

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It's also important to keep in mind that some South American countries may have additional health and vaccination requirements to get past the border, so it's important to check with the specific country's embassy or consulate before traveling.

Traveling to South America can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it's important to be prepared for potential health risks. By getting the recommended vaccines and taking preventive measures, travelers can reduce their risk of getting sick and help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. We can give you the knowledge you need to know before your trip, book a consultation with Amani Travel today!

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