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What Vaccinations Do I Need For Peru?
When people ask us which Vaccinations do I need for my Machu Picchu Trek?Â
Our advice is always the same –Â
3-4 months before your trip, go and see your GP or visit a travel clinic, tell them where you are going and what you are doing and they will give you the most up to date advice.
We are hearing that GP’s are reducing the travel vaccination clinics within their surgery’s as they are so busy, so do check with yours. You may be better off visiting a local travel clinic or pharmacy that offers a travel vaccination service.
You can also check on the government’s ‘Know Before You Go’ website for the most up to date advice.
The current information from the website is as follows (October 2022)
Travel Vaccine Recommendations for Peru – Nomad Travel Clinic
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– These schedules are approximate and based on the first dose. These are the minimum times for the vaccine to be effective. You can start them earlier, but again this can all be discussed when you have your consultation.
Yellow Fever In Peru – There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Peru.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required to enter Peru.
Malaria Risk in Peru – Malaria is Present in Peru.
There is no vaccination for Malaria, you may need to take Antimalarial tablets as it is a risk area. We recommend you have a consultation with a travel clinic to talk through your Antimalarial medication options.
For a detailed map of the Malaria risk in Peru
Other Health Risks in Peru
Dengue Fever In Peru
There is a risk of Dengue Fever. It is spread by a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti, otherwise known as the ‘tiger mosquito’ which mainly bites during the day. The illness is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics, affecting over 100 countries with approximately 50 million cases globally a year. Currently most infections occur in SE Asia, South and Central America, Mexico, Africa, Indian sub-continent, Hawaii and the Pacific. There is currently no vaccination against Dengue Fever, it is therefore important to protect yourself during the day with bite avoidance products like DEET
Chikungunya in Peru
There is a risk of Chikungunya virus in Peru. Spread by mosquitos, Chikungunya virus is widespread across Africa, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent and the Philippines. Occasionally, the virus can be found in other countries where the mosquito that spreads Chikungunya can also be found. There is no vaccination against Chikungunya, it is important to protect yourself with bite avoidance products like DEET.
Zika Virus in Peru
Zika is a viral infection transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite an infected person and then spread the infection to others when they bite again. Pregnant women are advised not to travel into Zika regions, and male partners must use condoms for 6 months after travel into affected areas to prevent sexual transmission of the disease to a pregnant partner. If planning pregnancy, female travellers should avoid getting pregnant for at least 8 weeks after being in a Zika region. Whereas men must avoid getting a woman pregnant for at least 6 months following travel into a Zika region as the virus can survive in sperm for much longer and can be sexually transmitted.
High Altitude
If you are heading on a High Altitude Trek in Peru, you can also chat with your travel clinic about this as well. Travel Pharmacys will also be able to discuss and prescribe Diamox if required.
