Vaccines for Peru
Planning a trip to Peru? Talk to the experts at Copperfield Travel Clinic about the Peru vaccine requirements. Our team can help ensure your trip is a positive one.
Get Ready For Your South American Vacation
Peru, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, is a destination rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient ruins such as Machu Picchu, vibrant cities like Lima, and unique ecosystems in the Amazon Basin. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s important to be aware of the necessary health precautions and vaccinations required for travel to Peru. Our LATAM travel vaccines in Calgary service ensures you’re fully prepared for your journey.
What Vaccines Do I Need
For Peru?
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Peru
Vaccine | Spread Through | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | contaminated food and water | travellers eating or drinking in areas with poor sanitation |
Hepatitis B | infected blood or bodily fluids | travellers with prolonged stays or medical treatment |
Typhoid | contaminated food and water | crucial for all travelers to avoid illness from contaminated food and water
|
Yellow Fever
| the bite of an infected mosquito | travellers to the Amazon Basin and jungle regions east of the Andes
|
Rabies
| the bite or scratch of an infected animal | travellers to the Amazon Basin and jungle regions east of the Andes
|
Routine Vaccines For Travelling
To Peru From Canada
When travelling to Peru from Canada, it’s essential to ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations. In addition to recommended vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever, there are some additional routine shots you should consider before your South American vacation.
Vaccine | Spread Through | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
Chickenpox | respiratory droplets or direct contact with the rash | travellers who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine |
Diphtheria | respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes | travellers, particularly those visiting regions with low vaccination rates |
Influenza | respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes | all travellers, annually |
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes | travellers, especially those in close contact with infants or people with weakened immune systems |
Polio | contaminated food, water, and contact with an infected person | travellers headed where polio is still prevalent, especially in rural areas |
Shingles | reactivation of the chickenpox virus in people who have previously had chickenpox | older adults and travellers who have had chickenpox, especially those over 50 |
Tetanus | through wounds contaminated with dirt, dust, or feces | travellers engaging in outdoor activities or in areas with limited access to medical care |
Measles Mumps Rubella | respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes | routine vaccines are recommended for all non-immune travellers |
Recommended Vaccination Timeline
6-8 Weeks Before | Plan to have an initial consultation 6-8 weeks in advance of your trip. If you are past this window, we still recommend booking a consultation so you can ensure maximum protection. |
4-6 Weeks Before | This is ideal timing for starting the Hep A/B vaccine series, rabies vaccine series, and Japanese encephalitis series.
|
2-4 Weeks Before | 2-4 weeks is the ideal timeline for most other vaccines, but some may be given with a shorter time before departure. |
1-2 Weeks Before | Get the flu shot if travelling during flu season. A certificate for Yellow Fever is considered valid 10 days after the vaccination is given, so consider this when travelling to Peru. |
Stay Safe On Your Peruvian Adventure
Book Your Peru Travel Vaccinations at Copperfield Travel Clinic & Travel With Ultimate Peace of Mind
How to Protect Against Non-Vaccine Preventable Diseases in Peru
Transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
Transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep in accommodations with insect screens or nets, especially in areas with sandflies.
Transmitted by triatomine bugs, commonly found in rural areas of Peru. Use insect repellent, sleep under a bed net, and stay in well-sealed buildings.
Primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Pregnant women should take extra precautions, as Zika can cause birth defects. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations.
Spread by mosquitoes found in some regions of Peru. Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in accommodations with screens or air conditioning.
Transmitted through bodily fluids, such as saliva, blood, urine, or sexual contact. Prevent CMV by practicing good hygiene and being cautious around infected individuals.
Caused by parasitic worms that enter the body through the skin. Travellers should wear shoes when walking outdoors, avoid contact with contaminated soil, and maintain good hygiene.
What to Know About Travelling to Peru
In addition to the contractable illnesses listed above, altitude sickness can be a concern when travelling to high-altitude areas such as Cusco and Machu Picchu. To prevent altitude sickness, acclimate gradually, stay hydrated, and consider medication if you are susceptible. If your itinerary includes the Amazon or other yellow fever risk areas, schedule your Calgary yellow fever vaccination before departure. Consult with your healthcare provider before travelling.
- Book an Appointment
- Complete Pre-Travel Form
- Personalized Consultation
- Get Vaccinated
- Travel Health Advice
- Follow-Up Appointments (as needed)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Travel to Peru?
Peru is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. To avoid diseases that are prevalent in the area, be sure to prepare by getting the recommended vaccines and avoid other diseases through proper prevention practices like using insect repellent and sleeping under a bed net.
Is Altitude Sickness a Concern in Peru?
Yes, especially in high-altitude areas like Cusco and Machu Picchu. Travellers should acclimatize slowly, stay hydrated, and consider medications to prevent or treat altitude sickness.
Is it Safe to Drink Tap Water in Peru?
No, it is generally not safe to drink tap water in Peru. It’s advisable to drink bottled water or use a reliable water purification method.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Peru?
The best time to plan a trip to Peru depends on your specific destination. For Machu Picchu and the Andes, the dry season from May to September is ideal while the Amazon Basin is best enjoyed from June to September.