Recommended Vaccinations for Brazil Travellers

1. Hepatitis A

• Risk: Transmitted through contaminated food or water.

• Recommendation: All travellers should consider this vaccine, especially when visiting rural areas or eating street food.

2. Typhoid

• Risk: Common in areas with inadequate sanitation.

• Recommendation: Essential for anyone planning extended stays or visiting regions with poor hygiene conditions.

3. Tetanus

• Risk: Found in soil and transmitted through cuts or wounds.

• Recommendation: Ensure your tetanus vaccination is up to date before travel.

4. Yellow Fever

• Risk: Endemic in many regions, including the Amazon Basin and some urban areas.

• Requirement: Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to certain regions.

• Recommendation: Vaccination is highly recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older visiting risk areas.

5. Hepatitis B

• Risk: Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.

• Recommendation: Consider for longer stays or those with potential exposure to medical procedures.

6. Rabies

• Risk: Present in wild and domestic animals, including dogs and bats.

• Recommendation: Pre-exposure vaccination is advisable for extended rural stays or animal encounters.

7. Influenza

• Risk: Seasonal influenza can occur year-round in Brazil.

• Recommendation: Ensure your annual flu vaccination is up to date, particularly if you are at high risk.

Managing Health Risks in Brazil

Malaria

• Risk Areas: Predominantly in the Amazon Basin, including Manaus.

• Prevention:

  • Take antimalarial medication if visiting high-risk areas.

  • Use DEET-based insect repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets.

Dengue Fever

• Risk Areas: Present in urban and rural areas.

• Prevention:

  • Avoid mosquito bites during daytime hours.

  • Use repellents and protective clothing.

Zika Virus

• Risk Areas: Reported across Brazil.

• Prevention:

  • Avoid mosquito bites, particularly during the day.

  • Pregnant women should seek detailed advice due to potential birth defects linked to Zika.

Schistosomiasis

• Risk Areas: Associated with freshwater bodies.

• Prevention:

  • Avoid swimming or wading in untreated freshwater.

  • Use only boiled, filtered, or bottled water.

Food and Water Safety

To avoid food and water-borne illnesses such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid:

• Drink Safely: Stick to bottled or boiled water; avoid ice cubes from tap water.

• Eat Safely: Opt for freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked meals, and avoid raw or undercooked foods.

Essential Travel Health Kit

Pack a comprehensive travel health kit that includes:

• Prescription medications and antimalarial tablets.

• First-aid supplies (plasters, antiseptic wipes, etc.).

• DEET-based insect repellents and high-SPF sunscreen.

• Over-the-counter treatments like painkillers and antidiarrhoeals.

Booking Your Travel Health Appointment

At Three Counties Travel Clinic, we offer:

• Personalised travel health consultations tailored to your itinerary.

• Comprehensive vaccination services, including yellow fever certification.

• Expert advice on managing risks such as malaria, Zika, and dengue.

Plan your health preparations early for a safe and unforgettable trip to Brazil. Book your appointment online today and travel with confidence.