TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

Travel Clinics of America is your best choice for receiving high-quality pre-travel care, sound travel advice, and peace of mind.

South America

Are you Traveling to South America?

When you travel outside of the U.S., it’s wise to expect the unexpected. Being far away from home means there is a risk of contracting disease. The physicians at Travel Clinics of America can help you get the appropriate travel shots and teach you about diseases common at your specific destination.

Recommendations for travel

 

Disease

Description

Vaccination

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, transmitted through contaminated food and water, is the most common vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination against Hepatitis A virtually eliminates the risk of the disease. It is given as a series of 2 shots, 6 months apart.
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Hepatitis A vaccine

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease varies from mild to severe causing liver failure. Yellow fever can be prevented by vaccination and avoidance of mosquitoes. NOTE: Proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination) against yellow fever may be required for travel to and from some of the countries in South America.

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Yellow fever vaccine

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection. It occurs worldwide but is more common in developing countries. Typhoid is transmitted by contaminated food. The Typhoid vaccine is by far the best protection for the travelers going to developing countries.
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Typhoid vaccine

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B, a serious viral illness, is transmitted through blood products, contaminated medical instruments (such as during an emergency surgery) and unprotected sex. Some travelers, such as adventure travelers, Peace Corps volunteers, missionaries, and military personnel, may be at increased risk for infection. Generally given over 6 months, The Hepatitis vaccine also may be given on an
accelerated schedule over 21 days.
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Hepatitis B vaccine

Rabies

Rabies is characteristically transmitted by the bite or scratch of rabid  animals. Travelers to rural areas for extended periods of time, children, and those in close contact with animals are at a higher risk for rabies and should discuss receiving a prophylactic anti-rabies vaccination with a travel physician. This vaccination involves a series of three injections, given over 3-4 weeks.
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Rabies vaccine

Zika virus

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
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Additional considerations

  • Traveler’s Diarrhea can ruin a trip. Your Travel Clinics of America physician can prescribe an antibiotic self-treatment for travelers’ diarrhea, and discuss whether taking prophylactic medications is advisable for you.
  • Malaria, a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes, is common in many countries in South America. A Travel Clinics of America physician can select the appropriate medications to prevent malaria and to take in the event that you contract malaria while traveling
    in South America.
  • Dengue fever is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or medication to prevent this disease. Therefore, it is important to use mosquito repellant during the day to decrease the risk of the disease.
  • Chikungunya fever is also transmitted by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or medication to prevent this disease, so it
    is important to use mosquito repellant to decrease the risk of this disease as well.
  • Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection from swimming in contaminated bodies of fresh water. Your Travel Clinics of America physician can advise what prescription medications are recommended for treatment if you contract schistosomiasis while in Africa.

Key Points

 

Your specific itinerary dictates which additional vaccines you need to protect your health during your trip.

 

As soon as you know that you are traveling in South America — whether for business or pleasure – contact Travel Clinics of America. We will make sure that you have the vaccination protection and advice you need.





Travel Clinics of America is no longer in business and no longer taking any more clients. Please feel free to use any information as a valuable resource.