Brazil Travel Vaccinations

From city breaks in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to exploring Iguaçu Falls or travelling through the Amazon, a trip to Brazil can involve very different health considerations depending on your itinerary. Here, we cover the travel vaccinations you may need, Yellow Fever and malaria advice, other health risks to be aware of, and how Well Pharmacy can help you get ready for your trip.

The vaccinations recommended for Brazil aren't necessarily the same for every traveller. What you may need can depend on:

• Which parts of Brazil you're visiting
• How long you'll be staying
• Whether you'll be travelling to rural or remote areas
• Activities such as hiking, cycling, or exploring the Amazon
• Your existing vaccination history

The guidance below can give you an idea of what may be recommended before your appointment. Your individual travel plans and health history should always be considered when deciding which vaccinations are suitable.

• Routine UK vaccinations – make sure you're up to date with the routine vaccinations and boosters recommended in the UK for your age, medical history, and individual circumstances. Your travel-health appointment is also a good opportunity to check vaccines such as MMR and diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.
• Vaccination certificates – Brazil currently has no vaccination certificate requirements under International Health Regulations. This is important to distinguish from Yellow Fever vaccination, which may still be recommended for your own protection depending on where you're travelling.

• Hepatitis A – spread mainly through contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected person. Vaccination is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers visiting Brazil.
• Tetanus – tetanus bacteria are found in soil and can enter the body through cuts, burns, and other wounds. You should have completed the standard UK vaccination course. A booster may be recommended if your last dose was more than 10 years ago and you'll be somewhere with limited access to medical care.
• Typhoid – an infection usually spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for most travellers, particularly those staying for longer periods, visiting friends or relatives, or travelling somewhere where sanitation and food hygiene may be poorer.

• Yellow Fever – Yellow Fever is spread by mosquitoes and occurs in parts of Brazil. Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over visiting many areas, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, Iguaçu Falls, and much of the Amazon region. It isn't recommended for some areas, including the cities of Fortaleza and Recife, so your itinerary should be checked carefully. We offer Yellow Fever vaccinations in selected Well Pharmacies.
• Hepatitis B – spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. Vaccination can be considered for all travellers and may be particularly important for longer stays or trips involving an increased chance of medical treatment, contact with blood, unprotected sex, or contact sports.
• Rabies – rabies is present in Brazil and has been reported in domestic animals, while bats can also carry rabies-like viruses. Vaccination may be recommended for long stays, animal-related work, activities such as running or cycling, or travel to areas where rapid access to treatment could be difficult.
• Chikungunya – this mosquito-borne infection occurs in Brazil. Vaccination may be considered for travellers aged 12 and over visiting an area experiencing an outbreak or making frequent or long-term trips to higher-risk regions.
• Dengue – dengue is widespread enough to be a recognised travel risk in Brazil. Vaccination may be considered for certain travellers aged four and over, particularly those who have previously had dengue and will be travelling somewhere with a risk of infection.
• Tuberculosis (TB) – BCG vaccination may be recommended for specific higher-risk groups, including some unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in Brazil for more than three months, and people whose work puts them at increased risk of exposure.

• Dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne illnesses – mosquito avoidance is particularly important in Brazil. Dengue and chikungunya are both present, and mosquitoes can also spread other infections. Use an effective insect repellent and cover exposed skin where practical.
• Oropouche virus disease – an outbreak of Oropouche virus disease is currently ongoing in Brazil. Travellers should follow insect-bite prevention advice and check the latest outbreak information before and during their trip.
• Malaria – there is a low risk in the Amazon Basin, including Manaus, and a very low risk across most of the rest of Brazil. There is no malaria risk at Iguaçu Falls. For most travellers, awareness and mosquito-bite prevention are recommended, although malaria tablets may be considered in exceptional circumstances for some higher-risk travellers visiting low-risk areas.
• Zika virus - Zika is present in Brazil and is mainly spread by mosquitoes, although sexual transmission can also occur. Because infection during pregnancy can cause serious complications, pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should discuss travel with a healthcare professional and follow current Zika guidance.
• Schistosomiasis - this parasitic infection can be caught through contact with contaminated freshwater. Avoid swimming, wading or bathing in freshwater lakes, streams and rivers in risk areas. Sea water and adequately chlorinated swimming pools don't carry the same risk.
• Strong sun and heat - UV levels can be high in Brazil. Use appropriate sun protection, stay hydrated, and limit prolonged sun exposure, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.