immunizations for travel to peru

Peru is a country with incredibly beautiful places and several different climate zones. Before starting any travel, it is essential to inform yourself about the vaccination requirements of the country you will visit. Otherwise, you might experience an unpleasant or even dangerous surprise. For Peru, there are no specific vaccination requirements needed and you do not have to show your vaccination certificate to be able to enter the country. However, there are a few highly recommended and optional vaccinations that you should consider before your trip. So together with Machu Travel Peru, we put an article on immunizations for travel to Peru. 

Peru is a country with incredibly beautiful places and several different climate zones. Before starting any travel, it is essential to inform yourself about the vaccination requirements of the country you will visit. Otherwise, you might experience an unpleasant or even dangerous surprise. For Peru, there are no specific vaccination requirements needed and you do not have to show your vaccination certificate to be able to enter the country. However, there are a few highly recommended and optional vaccinations that you should consider before your trip. Here are some tips for healthy travel in Peru. 

Everything you need to know about the immunizations for travel to Peru

immunizations for travel to peru highly recommended vaccines

HEPATITIS A 

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease spread through contaminated water and food. Since the water in Peru is not safe to drink out of the tab, there is a high risk of getting infected. Also, if you are an adventurous eater you might want to consider this vaccine. It needs to be administered several weeks before you travel. Hepatitis A can be transmitted through contaminated food and drinking water. You may be surprised that even in developed countries we hear about these diseases. And despite the fact that people usually recover from this disease, it is advisable to get vaccinated and not go through bad times. For visiting Peru with all the necessary items you have to take into account these vaccines and thus travel safely.

TYPHOID

This bacterial infection causing high fever, diarrhea as well as vomiting can be very dangerous. Equally, like Hepatitis A, it is spread by contaminated water and food. Especially if you are planning on adventure travel Peru and going to remote areas or unsanitary places you are at high risk of contracting Typhoid. This also applies to anyone who loves to try street food. It is of utmost importance to always wash your hands and even disinfect them after using the bathroom and before eating. Drink properly boiled or bottled water or take a good water filter with you and avoid uncooked and unpeeled vegetables and fruits.

immunizations for travel to peru recommended vaccines

HEPATITIS B

Depending on where you plan to travel, you will know if you need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. You should discuss this with your GP before receiving this vaccine. It is highly recommended for those travelers who may be exposed to blood or body fluids. So if you are someone who is promiscuous in your relationships, it would be a good idea to get vaccinated.

You can get Hepatitis B through an exchange of blood, body fluids, and contaminated needles. However, the risk is generally not too high can rise if you have unprotected sex and/or a lot of different sexual partners, inject drugs, have a medical procedure, or get a tattoo or piercing. Sometimes you can get a Hepatitis B shot together with the Hepatitis A shot which has to be administered weeks or even months in advance. In case you are looking to visit Machu Picchu, it may not be a great need to get vaccinated with this injection. But it is better to consult with your doctor.

RABIES

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. In case you plan on going to remote areas with lots of wildlife or you are often in contact with animals it is recommendable to get a rabies shot. This is because rabies is spread by the infected animal’s saliva that gets in contact with your blood through a bite or scratch. The first vaccination usually consists of 3 shots in several weeks. Although it is highly unlikely that you will have such an experience, the rabies vaccine is a pretty good preventive measure. And if you plan to visit your doctor, you could kill two birds with one stone.

YELLOW FEVER 

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for people planning on going to jungle areas that are below 2,300 m / 7,545 ft., which applies to the eastern side of the Andes. If you are planning on traveling to more countries in South America, please inform yourself about each country’s yellow fever requirements. For example, to be able to enter Bolivia from Peru you need proof of a yellow fever vaccination. You can get it 10 days in advance. If you are looking for forms of immunizations for travel to Peru, this is a very good one. Yellow fever is spread by a mosquito, so block it by wearing long clothes and using a strong dewy-based insect repellent is important. If you are looking to enjoy tourism in Peru, it is a good idea to consult your family doctor.

ROUTINE VACCINATIONS 

immunizations for travel to peru routine vaccinations

Routine shots are the kind of shots everyone should do naturally. Whether they are planning to travel abroad or are staying at home. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you have your routine vaccinations up to date for all those travelers. In many cases, you will have received these vaccinations as a child, but a booster shot before your trip is always good. Adding to the best immunizations for travel to Peru you should get these routine shots before your trip: Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine Varicella vaccine (chickenpox) Polio vaccine (yearly flu shot). 

MALARIA, ZIKA, AND DENGUE FEVER 

immunizations for travel to peru malaria zika dengue

MALARIA 

Unfortunately, there is no vaccination for Malaria so far. Take some type of antimalarial medication with you if you go to jungle areas and places that are below 2,000 m / 6,562 ft. Malaria is spread by a mosquito as well, so it is best to prevent getting bitten by it. Consider wearing large clothes and using a strong dewy-based insect repellent, especially during summer. If you have plans to visit the Peruvian jungle, it is a good idea to be prepared.

ZIKA 

With the biodiversity in Peru being so rich, it is not surprising that there are many mosquitoes around. Zika is, like Malaria, spread by a mosquito that bites during the day and night. It is very dangerous for pregnant women as they can pass on the disease to the fetus who is then at risk of certain birth defects. Common symptoms are fever, headache, red eyes, muscle pain, joint pain, and rash. For Zika, there is no vaccination or medicine either. It is not yet prevalent in Peru but cases have been documented. Please get in touch with your doctor for more specific information. Stick to the same preventions to avoid Malaria. 

DENGUE FEVER 

It is a mosquito-borne viral disease occurring in the subtropical and tropical areas which cause high fever, body pain, and rash. Cases have been reported in Peru. Since there is no medication and vaccination, you can only take preventive methods by using a strong dewy-based insect repellent.

“VACCINES ARE SAFE, EFFECTIVE, AND LIFESAVING.”

Together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru, we hope to have taught you a little about the necessary precautions for immunizations for travel to Peru. Although you have to keep in mind, as we always mentioned, that these are only suggestions. We have no real say in medical matters. So it is highly recommended that you consult these issues with your family doctor. But if you want to ask about our different routes, you can talk to our qualified advisors. With our years of experience, we know very well how to organize tailor-made trips. We will be waiting for your soon visit! 

Peru has so much to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it. Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!