What vaccinations are needed for Peru?
Apart from the usual vaccines you would have had from childhood, there are some diseases found in Peru that may require additional vaccines or preventative medicine before you travel there. These include hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B and malaria.
While rabies has been found in Peru it is not considered a major risk for normal travel except for certain groups discussed below.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine
Hepatitis A or typhoid are both health risks associated with travel to Peru. You can contract these illnesses from contaminated food or contaminated water, no matter what part of the country you visit.
The Travel Vaccination Clinic recommends the combined vaccine against hepatitis A and typhoid for most travellers to Peru, as a preventative measure.
This vaccine lasts for several years so you will be protected against both of these infections for an extended time.
Hepatitis B in Peru
Hepatitis B can be contracted from sexual contact with an infected person, needle exchange or if bodily fluids are exchanged with someone else who has hepatitis B. If you think you might meet a new partner, or have a tattoo or piercing, our doctors might recommend the hepatitis B vaccine.
Even with the vaccine, it’s important to practice safe sexual contact and be vigilant on clean needles if you inject drugs, or have a tattoo or piercing.
Tetanus
Tetanus is spread primarily through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds when these come into contact with tetanus spores. Spores are found worldwide, including in Peru.
A tetanus booster may be recommended depending on previous childhood and routine vaccinations.
Other health considerations
Malaria
Malaria is not usually found in highland tourist areas like:
- Cuzco
- Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
- Arequipa
- Moquegua
- Puno,
- Tacna
However, other parts of Peru, especially those lower than 2000m, may have malaria risk present.
Malaria is passed on through mosquito bites, so as well as malaria medication the best way to protect yourself is bite prevention.
Wearing long clothing to minimise exposed skin, using insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net will help you avoid bites and prevent malaria.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever is a severe viral disease which is spread by mosquito bites. In 2023, Peru experienced its worst dengue outbreak in over a decade, and cases are still high across both Peru and most of South America.
Scientists are working on a vaccine for dengue, but at the moment this vaccination is not widely available. Travellers to Peru should avoid mosquito bites wherever possible. Some areas of Peru are higher risk and some are low risk, so it’s worth bearing this in mind when you plan your trip.
Our doctors will explain exactly which type of spray should be used, its specific contents and concentration together with specific protocol of use.
Zika virus infection
Zika virus is another infection which is spread via mosquito bites. Peru is categorised as having a risk of Zika virus. The mosquito that spreads this illness usually bites during the day, and it is just as common in urban areas as it is in rural areas.
The illness itself is usually mild, but infection in pregnant women can lead to birth defects. If you are pregnant and you are planning a trip to Peru, you should seek professional medical advice.
Altitude sickness in Peru
Because some parts of Peru, including Macchu Picchu and Cuzco, Punya and the Colca Canyon, are more than 2500 above sea level, altitude sickness may affect travellers to Peru, especially those who climb or ascend rapidly. Altitude can affect anyone, including the physically fit.
It is more likely to happen to people who:
- Have not properly acclimatised before their climb
- Have had alcohol or exercised before they adjusted
- Have breathing problems
It is also more of a risk for pregnant women.
Altitude sickness can be life-threatening, so it must be taken seriously. If you are planning a climb whilst you are in Peru, you should speak to the doctor about the risks of altitude sickness and what the symptoms are. If at any point in a climb, you think you might be experiencing symptoms, you should stop immediately and seek medical treatment.
Is there a risk of rabies in Peru?
There has been some evidence of rabies in Peru, however, it is not considered to be one of the high risk areas for general travellers.
The Rabies vaccine is only recommended for those who are at increased risk of being bitten by infected animals. This includes people who:
- Will be taking part in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or caving, where they may encounter animals like bats, rats, dogs or other mammals
- Working with animals
- Spending a lot of time in rural or remote areas
It might also be recommended for children, as they might play with animals and fail to report contact with animals or animal bites, putting them at increased risk.
Travellers diarrhoea
Travellers diarrhoea can happen in any country, and Peru is no exception. Travellers diarrhoea is a stomach and intestinal infection that causes loose, unformed stools. It’s a common illness that affects most travellers however, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Most cases are mild and will go away on their own. But, if your symptoms have not resolved after a few days, you might want to seek professional medical advice.
To try and stay healthy, you should practice good hand washing and aim to stick to safe foods wherever possible. Avoid drinking tap water too.
Before you travel to Peru…
Book an appointment at the Travel Vaccination Clinic for personal medical advice, ahead of your trip to Peru. Our doctors offer travel medicine and vaccinations for Peru, so you can enjoy a safe trip.
