Uruguay
Squeezed between two giants, the tiny Uruguay has been lying in the shade of Brazil and Argentina for a long time. The Latin American nation is now finally getting all the attention it deserves. Peaceful, safe, culturally rich and offering one of the highest quality of life in South America, Uruguay has it all. With its charming beaches, lovely hilly landscapes, beautiful colonial villages, cosmopolitan capital city, stunning waterfalls, challenging hiking trails and rewarding wildlife watching, the country offers pleasant holidays as well as memorable adventures. Uruguayan people have always kept their own identity and travelers will be amazed by their generous nature.
HEALTH INFORMATION
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 updates on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic to make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
URUGUAY – 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. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. 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. |
| 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). |
| 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. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin or Suprax. |
MEDICAL CARE
In general, routine medical care is of adequate quality in Uruguay. The British Hospital located in Montevideo, the capital city, is greatly prized by foreigners and offers quality medical care, as well as a wide array of specialized services. But in the event of serious sickness or injury, an air evacuation to another country may be required.
Numerous pharmacies can be found in major cities in Uruguay. Most medicines are available with or without a medical prescription. Pharmaceutical drugs are usually purchased from the United States or Europe. But it is always safer to bring your own medical supplies to avoid unpleasant surprises. Though, we still recommend bringing your own medical set containing all the medications and prescriptions you may need during your travel.
SECURITY ABROAD
Street crime such as pickpocketing, armed robbery and muggings occur in the capital city, Montevideo, particularly:
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 911
- medical assistance: 105
- firefighters: 104
