LPHYS'24. Vaccination:
Travelling to Brazil is an exciting adventure, but it's important to ensure that you are properly protected against various health risks. Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidelines on the necessary vaccinations for travellers to Brazil to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and to keep you healthy during your trip.
Routine Vaccinations
Before travelling to Brazil, make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations (WHO list, CDC for Adults, CDC for Child and Adolescent). These include:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Polio
- Annual flu shot
Recommended Vaccinations
In addition to routine vaccinations, WHO and CDC recommend (WHO, CDC) the following vaccinations specifically for travel to Brazil:
- Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for most travellers, as you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Brazil. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
- Hepatitis B: You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so this vaccine is advised if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
- Typhoid: This vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
- Yellow Fever: WHO and CDC recommend this vaccine for travellers to areas in Brazil where yellow fever is a risk. Note that some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from Brazil. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
- Rabies: Rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that put them at risk for animal bites, such as camping, hiking, biking, or caving. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they are more likely to approach animals without caution. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
COVID-19
As of May 2024, Brazil continues its efforts to manage COVID-19 with a focus on vaccination and public health measures. For the last week, Brazil reported 3,807 new cases. Given the country's population of approximately 213 million, the number of new cases represents a small fraction of the population, highlighting the progress made in controlling the virus's spread. For the most current information and updates, please visit the Brazilian Ministry of Health's COVID-19 portal: Coronavírus Brasil.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends continued use of masks in specific situations and advises a reduced isolation period for patients based on the latest evidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes staying up-to-date with vaccinations to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. For more guidelines, visit the WHO COVID-19 page and the CDC COVID-19 page.
The WHO and CDC stress the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations. Completing the recommended vaccination schedule and receiving booster doses are crucial to maintaining immunity and reducing severe disease risk. For detailed information, check the WHO COVID-19 Vaccines Advice and the CDC COVID-19 Vaccines pages.
Malaria Prevention
While there is no vaccine for malaria, it is a significant risk in certain parts of Brazil. WHO and CDC recommend taking prescription antimalarial drugs if you are travelling to these areas. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best medication for you. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
Zika Virus
Brazil has been affected by the Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine for Zika, so it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and staying in places with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors. [WHO Source, CDC Source]
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before travelling to Brazil, consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to discuss your specific needs and to ensure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations and medications. It is advisable to do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to allow time for any vaccines to take effect.
For more information, you can visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, or contact your local health authority.
Stay safe and enjoy your travels!