South and Central America

Your IPSA Vaccine Clinic

Depending on your current vaccine status and where in South and Central America you are going, how long you plan to stay in South and Central America and what you will be doing while you are in South and Central America, your IPSA vaccine specialist will advise you on the recommended additional vaccines you will require to protect yourself whilst in South and Central America. Your IPSA physician will also talk through any country-specific medications (e.g. anti-malarials) that you should consider taking with you on your trip to South and Central America.
All travellers to South and Central America
Firstly, ensure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations (e.g. your yearly flu shot, MMR etc.). You might also require some extra vaccinations when travelling to South and Central America.
What are the routine vaccines?

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio
• Cholera
• Typhoid

What vaccines should most travellers to South and Central America have?

In South and Central America, there is a risk of hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, tetanus, diphtheria and polio.
Hepatitis A: The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having the hepatitis A vaccine, as, regardless of where you are staying or where you are eating, there is a risk of getting this disease through contaminated water and food when in South and Central America.
Typhoid: Again, the CDC also recommends having the typhoid vaccine due to the risk of catching typhoid through contaminated water and food. This is especially the case if you are adventurous with your diet, if you are visiting any of South and Central America’s smaller cities, or if you are staying with relatives or with friends.
Tetanus, diphtheria and polio: The triple vaccine will protect you against all three diseases. Diphtheria is passed on through contaminated bed linen/clothing, though personal contact and via respiratory droplets. Tetanus spores in the soil contaminate wounds causing the disease. Polio is passed on through the oral or through the faecal/oral route.
Cholera: Cholera, a small-intestine infection that can be fatal and causes acute diarrhoea/vomiting, causes electrolyte imbalance/dehydration. Cholera is rife in areas with inadequate sanitation conditions, questionable water quality and a lack of good food hygiene.

What vaccines should some travellers to South and Central America have?

During your vaccine consultation, your IPSA vaccine specialist will run through what medicines and vaccines you will need. This is based on how long you will be staying in the country, where you are going, what you will be doing when you are in South and Central America, and it will also depend on if you are travelling to South and Central America from a country other than the UK.
Hepatitis B: You can catch hepatitis B from blood products, sexual contact or contaminated needles. If you plan on having sex with a new partner, getting a piercing or tattoo, or undergoing any medical procedures whilst in South and Central America, then the CDC recommends having the hepatitis B vaccine.
Rabies: In South and Central America, rabies is found in bats, dogs, and other mammals. The CDC recommends having the rabies vaccine if you are at risk from animal bites such as when you:

• Are going to be involved in outdoor or other activities (like biking, camping, caving, hiking, or adventure travel).
• Will be working around/with animals (such as researchers, veterinarians or wildlife professionals).
• Are going to take a long trip or move to South and Central America permanently.
• Are more likely to receive animal bites to the neck/head, such as children, who tend to play more often with animals and might not report any bites.

Yellow fever: South and Central America does have a yellow fever risk, and yellow fever can be fatal. The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites.
Malaria: During your vaccine consultation, your IPSA specialist will discuss malaria prevention while you are travelling in South and Central America, as there is no vaccine for malaria. You might need to take some anti-malarial prescription medicine before, during, and after your travel to South and Central America.
For your same-day IPSA vaccination consultation, simply call your nearest IPSA clinic or make your booking online.