Vaccines for South America
 

Hello,

I searched the forum and didn't find any information about the vaccines required or recommended for a trip through South America. I am in the United States, and need to know what vaccines I need and about how much time before I go do I need to get them to be effective. My Doctor said I need to go to a special clinic for travel vaccines, and they appear to be very expensive. Is it possible to get them in the first country I go to, which will probably be Colombia?
Any help would be appreciated.

Lola

In Brazil, the only vaccine you are required to have is the Yellow fever vaccine if you arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccines for Typhoid, hepatitis A and B, Diphtheria and Rabies are recommended (specially if you have plans to ride trough the Amazonian states) but not legally required to enter the country.
You also need to be careful to avoid Dengue Fever and Malaria, specially in the northernmost states, but there isn't a vaccine for those diseases.

Hello Lola,

As mentioned above the main vaccinations to get are Typhoid, Hep A&B, Diptheria, Yellow Fever, plus have a Tetanus jab, or a booster if you have already had it, before you head off. It is recommended to have your vaccinations before you depart as some vaccines need a bit of time before they are effective, Typhoid in particular. Hep A&B can be administered as one vaccine known as Twinrix, instead of having separate injections for A&B. Yes, they are pricey, but money well spent and you'll ride off with peace of mind. Happy travels!

Regards, Mike.

Some airlines will not let you board if you not have a yellow fever vaccination booklet!
Some countries while riding cross their borders, insist of showing that booklet
Crossed in December 11 countries and only British Guyana asked for it and leaving Panama by air to Bogota!
I had Giardia for one month in SA, what was inconvenient and got rid off it eventually with a four day treatment of pills , worth only $1.00 locally (Venezuela)
Giardia lamblia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sounds like a painful way to lose weight.