Hello, dear reader! When traveling to faraway lands and different climates that are very different from what you live with at home, there are many considerations to consider. You may wonder what documents or visas you may need, what the food will be like, whether I will be able to eat it, or what sort of clothing I will need. Is it going to be hot, or is it going to be cold? Will it be raining, or will I be on the coast or in the mountains? How will I get from point A to point B? Should I do a tour or do it on my own? Will I be safe travelling by myself?

All great questions, and yes, you will have to think about all of these. Another great question is, what vaccinations do I need for Peru? Will you need to see a doctor or travel center about vaccinations? Understanding the Peru vaccine requirements and recommended Peru vaccinations before your trip can help you prepare and travel with greater peace of mind.

Vaccinations are a great way to protect yourself against diseases and sicknesses that often frequent countries that you may travel to.
In this article, we will give you a guide as to the recommendations of various medical associations. These recommendations are given in good faith, but it is always recommended to contact a medical professional before travelling to any part of the world.

Vaccinations for Peru jungle | Peruvian Sunrise

Required & Key Recommended Vaccinations for Peru and South America

If you are wondering what vaccines are needed for Peru, the answer can depend on where you are travelling, what activities you will be doing, and your own health history. The following are some of the key vaccinations and health recommendations to consider when travelling to Peru and other parts of South America.

  • Yellow Fever: Strongly recommended for travel to tropical and forested regions of South America (such as the Amazon basin) and mandatory for entry in certain countries or if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic area. You must receive it at least 10 days before travel and carry an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). If you are asking, do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Peru, this will depend on the regions you plan to visit and your individual travel plans.
  • Hepatitis A: A general recommendation from the WHO for all non-immune travelers visiting developing regions or areas with food and water safety concerns.
  • Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers, especially those venturing outside major urban centers, staying with locals, or consuming street food.
  • Hepatitis B: Advised for long-term travelers, healthcare workers, or those anticipating potential medical treatment, tattoos, or close contact.
  • Rabies: Recommended for backpackers, campers, long-term travelers, or anyone working closely with animals or visiting remote areas.
  • Routine Vaccinations: Ensure your core adult/childhood immunizations are up to date, including Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), polio, and seasonal influenza.
  • Cholera: Recommended selectively for travelers to areas experiencing active outbreaks or limited access to clean water.
Vaccinations for South America and Peru yellow fever | Peruvian Sunrise

Other Health Considerations

  • Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya circulate in parts of South America; prevention relies heavily on EPA-registered insect repellent (like DEET) and protective clothing.
  • Malaria: Prophylactic medication may be necessary depending on the specific altitude, season, and rural/jungle sub-regions on your itinerary.

Other Routine Vaccinations Recommended for South America

The following vaccinations for South America may be given depending on your prior immunizations, where you are travelling, and whether a booster is warranted or not. Your travel doctor will help you to determine what you will need.

  • MMR: Most people receive one or two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in childhood. If you don't have an immunization history or evidence of current immunity, you may need to receive one or two doses. Currently, anyone born before 1966 will be recommended to receive a booster vaccination.
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis: This combined vaccination may need to be given as a booster for most travelers to South America if you have not received it in the last 10 years.
  • Influenza: This is typically recommended annually for most travelers. The vaccine changes each year due to changes in the predominant influenza strain.
  • Polio: This is a routine vaccination with a single booster that may be recommended. Most are vaccinated as children.
  • Malaria: This, and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, are endemic in parts of South America. You may need malaria medication before you depart to South America. There are no vaccinations or tablets for the other mosquito-borne diseases. Using insect repellent and covering up is advised to reduce the risk of these illnesses by limiting malaria risk.
Vaccinations for South America and Peru | Peruvian Sunrise

Health Precautions When Travelling to South America

  • To avoid further illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea, be sure to frequently wash your hands and practice safe eating and drinking practices. 
  • Consume only properly prepared foods and water that is known to be safe to drink.
  • Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers with you at all times in case you temporarily lack access to soap and water.
  • Wear long sleeves and insect repellent when outdoors and stay away from areas with mosquitoes.
  • Avoid undercooked foods or foods that have been directly handled by others; stick to freshly cooked hot meals and drink bottled water.
  • You may consider taking a kit with you to treat common medical problems, including diarrhea. Discuss this with your doctor.
  • Many people travel to South America to trek in the fabulous Andes. If you are planning to trek, speak to your doctor about altitude illness and medication for prevention.
Vaccinations for South America and Peru safety | Peruvian Sunrise

Do You Need Vaccinations to Go to Peru?

If you are wondering does Peru require vaccinations, it is important to understand that vaccination recommendations can vary depending on your itinerary and the areas you plan to visit. Some travelers may need specific vaccinations, while others may simply need to make sure their routine vaccinations are up to date.

Please note that the listed vaccinations for Peru and South America are a general guide. You should meet with your travel doctor and get a customized list of the recommended vaccinations based on the regions you are travelling to. The doctor will give you the best advice based on your health history and other factors.

If you are in doubt about your health and if you should be travelling to South America, our sales team are only too happy to design a tour to suit your needs. Contact us today for more information about the different tours in Peru and South America we can design for you.

The vaccinations mentioned in this article are provided by the World Health Organization.