Immunizations

Immunizations that are NOT REQUIRED for entry by the Peruvian government but are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED by the IMB and U.S. Public Health Service (CDC) to give you important protection:

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is another type of viral hepatitis. This very common infection can cause liver disease such as cirrhosis, failure and/or cancer. The disease is spread sexually (most commonly), by blood, and contaminated equipment such as needles. “MANDATORY” FOR SHORT TERM TRAVELERS WHEN THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF “HANDS ON” INVOLVEMENT IN CHILDCARE OR MEDICAL/DENTAL WORK. Do not get close to medical/dental work or used supplies if you have not had this vaccine. For other short-term travelers, Hepatitis B vaccination is optional. Many travelers will not have time before travel for the full series of three doses given over six months, so a condensed dosing schedule may be necessary: Day 0, Day 30, Day 60 and again at one year.

Hepatitis A

This very common viral liver infection, spread by unclean food and water, can be debilitating for months. The excellent new (1995) Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses at least six months apart. This replaces the old “gamma globulin”. The first dose protects for over a year, and the second for probably 20 years or more. Minimum age – 2 years.

Yellow Fever

RECOMMENDED for all travelers over 9 months of age outside of urban areas. Only required if age 6 months or above and arriving from an infected country. A single dose is effective for 10 years. Boosters are needed at 10 year intervals.

Typhoid (Not A Problem on Amazon Teams)

Typhoid is a treatable illness that is seldom fatal in previously healthy persons. The risk of becoming ill with typhoid on a trip of a couple of weeks is not very high if reasonable precautions can be taken about food and drink. Vaccination is more important if trip organizers feel that sanitation of food and drink may be especially risky. Typhim VI is a newer injectible vaccine with far less side effects than the older injection but with a minimum patient age of 2 years. The oral vaccine (Vivotif) is an option for persons at least 6 years of age. There is currently no vaccine being produced for children under 2 years.

Measles

This is common in many countries, so it is strongly recommended that all individuals born on or after January 1, 1957 have had two doses of measles or MMR vaccine after their first birthday. If only one dose was received as a child, a second one is needed. Infants 6 months to just before their first birthday going to high-risk measles area should have an initial dose before departure, and later obtain the two additional doses needed after their first birthday. Persons born before 1957 are considered to be immune to measles, and thus need no measles vaccine or booster.

Tetanus-Diphtheria or Tetanus Toxoid

If definitely immunized in the past, a booster is recommended every 10 years. For those going to remote areas or at increased risk of injury (e.g. construction work), a booster might be given before departure if 5 years have passed since the previous booster. This would prevent the need to find a clean, safe booster dose if injured while overseas.

Other Health Risks

Malaria

Malaria is present in rural areas. No risk in Lima, coastal areas south of Lima, or the highland tourist areas. Chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria is found only in provinces bordering Brazil and Ecuador. Preventive measures include mosquito repellents and oral medications. Malarone is the recommended medicine.