What Vaccines Do I Need for South America?

You're planning a trip to South America and want to know what jabs you need before you go.

The answer depends on where exactly you're travelling, how long you'll be there, and your medical history. Some vaccines are strongly recommended for almost all travellers to the region. Others are optional based on your itinerary and activities.

This guide covers the main vaccines travellers to South America should consider, who needs them, and how to prepare. A pharmacist can review your specific plans and help you decide which ones are right for you.

Which vaccines matter most for South America?

The vaccines most commonly recommended for South America are yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Many travellers also need protection against tetanus and polio if their UK boosters are not current.

Yellow fever is the one that gets the most attention. It's spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the Amazon, parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and other countries. Some nations will not let you enter without proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from another South American country.

Hepatitis A is common in areas with lower sanitation standards. Typhoid is a risk in similar settings. Both are spread through contaminated food or water.

Tetanus and polio boosters are routine, but many adults have not had them in ten years or more. If that's you, a booster makes sense before any long trip.

Malaria is not a vaccine but a medication you may need depending on where you go. Your pharmacist can advise on that too.

Yellow fever vaccine

Yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine, so it cannot be given to pregnant people, those with certain immune conditions, or babies under nine months old. If any of these apply to you, speak to your pharmacist or GP for personalised advice.

The vaccine is given as a single injection and protects for life in most cases. You'll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination, which some countries require to show at the border.

Yellow fever is most relevant if you're visiting the Amazon basin, lowland areas of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, or parts of Brazil. If you're staying only in major cities like Lima, Buenos Aires, or Santiago, the risk is much lower, though your pharmacist may still recommend it depending on your plans.

The vaccine takes about ten days to become fully effective, so book it at least two weeks before you travel.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water. It causes fever, tiredness, and jaundice and can last several weeks.

The vaccine is given as two injections, usually two to four weeks apart. You need both doses for full protection, though one dose gives partial protection if you're short on time.

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travellers to South America, especially if you're planning to eat street food, visit rural areas, or stay longer than a few weeks.

Typhoid vaccine

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. It causes high fever, headache, and abdominal pain.

There are two types of typhoid vaccine: an injection and an oral tablet. The injection gives protection for three years. The oral vaccine (four tablets taken on alternate days) lasts for three years as well.

Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most South America travellers, particularly if you're visiting smaller towns or rural areas where food hygiene standards may be lower.

Tetanus and polio boosters

If your tetanus booster is more than ten years old, or if you're not sure when you last had one, a booster is sensible before travel.

Polio boosters are less commonly needed for adults who were vaccinated as children in the UK, but if you're unsure of your status, a booster is safe and straightforward.

Malaria prevention

Malaria is not prevented by vaccine but by medication taken before, during, and after travel. Which medication you need depends on where you're going and your medical history.

Some regions of South America have malaria risk, others do not. Your pharmacist can review your itinerary and recommend the right prevention strategy.

Do I need all of these?

Not necessarily. Your risk depends on:

Where you're going. Backpacking through the Amazon is very different from a city break in Buenos Aires.

How long you're staying. A two-week trip has different needs from a three-month stay.

What you're doing. Hiking in remote areas carries more risk than staying in hotels and restaurants.

Your medical history. Pregnancy, certain immune conditions, and some medications affect which vaccines are safe for you.

A travel consultation at a pharmacy is the best way to sort this out. Your pharmacist will ask about your plans and medical background and recommend only the vaccines that actually matter for your trip.

Common questions

When should I book my travel vaccines?

Ideally, four to six weeks before you travel. This gives time for the vaccines to work and for any side effects to settle. Yellow fever needs ten days minimum. Hepatitis A requires two injections weeks apart, so earlier is better. If you're leaving sooner, book an appointment anyway; your pharmacist can advise on what's still possible.

Can I have all the vaccines at once?

Most travel vaccines can be given on the same day in different arms. Some vaccines, particularly live vaccines like yellow fever, have spacing rules if given with other live vaccines. Your pharmacist will plan the schedule that works best for you.

What are the side effects?

Most travel vaccines cause mild arm soreness, slight fever, or tiredness for a day or two. Serious side effects are rare. Your pharmacist will explain what to expect for each vaccine.

Do I need malaria tablets as well as the vaccine?

There is no malaria vaccine widely available in the UK. Malaria prevention relies on medication. Depending on where you're going, you may need antimalarial tablets, or the risk may be low enough that prevention is not needed. Your pharmacist can advise.

Will my travel insurance cover vaccines?

Most travel insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines, but some policies do. Check your policy. The cost of vaccines is usually much less than the cost of treating malaria or hepatitis A abroad, so it's worth budgeting for.

How long does immunity last?

Yellow fever vaccine protects for life. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines last three years. Tetanus boosters last ten years. Your pharmacist will note the dates and can remind you when boosters are due.

What if I'm pregnant?

Some vaccines are not safe in pregnancy. Yellow fever vaccine, for example, is a live vaccine and is not recommended. Other vaccines may be safe but need individual assessment. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your pharmacist or GP before booking any vaccines.

Book your travel appointment

Planning a trip to South America? Fulham Palace Pharmacy in Fulham can help you work out which vaccines you actually need and get them done before you go. Our pharmacists have experience with travel health and can answer your questions about malaria prevention, timing, and what to expect. We offer same-day appointments and can often fit you in quickly if you're leaving soon. Call in or book online to arrange your travel consultation.