Vaccinations for South America

[HeavyElectricity]

If you're going to rural areas where you might not be able to get to a hospital in under 24 hours (ideally you should be at a hospital within a few hours of a bite or scratch) then it's worth getting the rabies vaccination - I believe even with the vaccination you require further medical treatment after a bite or scratch anyway.

I got the vaccination before backpacking in South America in 2006. We did a few hikes (including the 3/4 day inca trail), and at the time there were reports in the travel advice warning about rabid bats biting people around Lima, so thought it was for the best.

Certainly got hepatitis/typhoid/yellow fever vaccinations too, and also used doxycycline as a malaria prophylactic.

 

[mannej]

Don’t forget that your private health fund will refund part of the cost of vaccinations.

That depends on your level of cover

 

[admin]

Firstly, thanks for all your posts and ideas. Really helped me in the research.

After much research and speaking to heaps of people, including medical doctors (who gave their suggestions as a "friend", rather than a "doctor"), we decided to go for the minimum: We did get the Yellow Fever vaccination. We are also taking Malaria Prophylaxis, a broad spectrum anti-biotic, and the usual over-the-counter medical travel necessities. And thats it. (oh yes, and we do already have Hep A immunity - so don't need that one)

I guess we are all different and this approach works for us. Will let you know how it pans out.

(On a side note: admin+1 went to a specialist travel clinic for the Yellow Fever shot as her normal GP didn't stock the vaccine. That's all she asked for and wanted. But was forced to book a $120 double appointment to hear the "travel doctor" go through why she needs to have everything and then tried to sell her the meds rather than writing a script. The whole experience left a really bad taste - and I can't help questioning the true motivation of some practitioners.)

 

[straitman]

I would also look at Typhoid.

Depending where you source the info from 10-40% of people who get Typhoid die from the disease. My daughter, her husband and kids got it from 'reputable' food sources in Mexico a few months ago and it took her many weeks to get over it. They had the vaccine which lowers the risk and the degree of sickness but were still unable to travel out of Mexico for several months.

 

[docjames]

Looking forward to the TR (with hopefully no insights to the Sth American hospital system......)

+1 to straitman......

 

[straitman]

Looking forward to the TR (with hopefully no insights to the Sth American hospital system......)

+1 to straitman......

I’ll find out where she has written it up. Bits are on AFF but probably in her blog.

 

[docjames]

I’ll find out where she has written it up. Bits are on AFF but probably in her blog.

Sorry I meant +1 to your comment on typhoid.

And awaiting @Admin 's TR.