Peru Travel Vaccines & Advice
Peru is a truly captivating country. This Western South American nation was once home to some of the most emblematic ancient civilizations. The iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is of course a must-see when visiting Peru. But the country hides countless fascinating vestiges of other lost civilizations, like the vast ancient city of Chan Chan and the intriguing geoglyphs of Nazca. From sand dunes to the soaring peaks of the Andes mountain range, arid steppes inhabited by llamas and the mighty Amazonian jungle, Peru offers spectacular landscapes of a striking beauty, just as diverse as its fascinating multicultural population.
HEALTH INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLING TO PERU
Risk of Zika in this Country. Learn More >>
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
PERU – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to “adventurous eating” |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Chagas Disease | Presence. All travelers should protect themselves against triatomine bugs. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS) – Huascarán 6,768m, Cuzco 3,400m, Machu Picchu peaks at 3,950m. |
MEDICAL CARE IN PERU
If you need medical care while traveling in Peru, it is better to go to private health care establishments, as the public medical facilities don’t always provide quality care. In Lima, the capital city, good quality private clinics are easy to find. The Clinica Anglo Americana, the San Borja Medical Clinic and the Clinica Montesur can be quoted. But in the event of serious health issues, an air evacuation to another country is required.
In case of emergency in Peru, call 141. If you can afford it, it is better to resort to a private ambulance, which will provide you a better emergency service. To have one, you can contact Alerta Medica at 225 4040, Alfa Medic at 352 9519, Medical Missions at 346 2929 or the San Cristobal Ambulance Service at 440 0200.
In Lima, medicines are widely available in the numerous pharmacies found in the city. It is also possible to buy drugs in large supermarkets. If you want to purchase specific treatments, a medical prescription will be required. It is always safer to bring your own medical supplies.
SECURITY ABROAD
State of emergency
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
- Police: 105
- Tourist police: +51 980 122 335 (Whatsapp number)
- Medical assistance: 116
- Firefighters: 116
