South America travel vaccines
From the Inca Trail to the Amazon and Rio — we'll match your vaccines to your route, including yellow fever and its certificate where it's needed, plus malaria and altitude advice.
South America packs a lot of variety into one trip — high Andean cities, Amazon rainforest, beaches and big cities — and your travel-health needs change with it. Yellow fever is the headline vaccine for much of the continent, and some countries ask to see a certificate before they let you in or move between regions.
Our pharmacist will look at your exact countries and route, advise on yellow fever and whether you need the certificate, check malaria risk for areas like the Amazon basin, and talk you through coping with altitude in places like Cusco and La Paz.
Vaccines to consider for South America
Your exact recommendations depend on the countries and areas you'll visit — yellow fever in particular varies by region.
Often required
Yellow fever
Recommended for many parts of the continent, and some countries require a certificate for entry or to travel on. We're set up to advise on and provide this.
Most travellers
Hepatitis A
Food- and water-borne — one of the most commonly recommended jabs for the region.
Most travellers
Typhoid
Also spread through contaminated food and water.
Tetanus, diphtheria & polio
A good moment to top up your routine booster.
Hepatitis B
Worth considering for longer trips or possible medical or dental treatment abroad.
Rabies
Worth considering for remote areas, long stays or if you'll be far from reliable medical care.
Yellow fever and the certificate
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne illness present in parts of South America, and the vaccine gives long-lasting protection. Beyond protecting you, some countries require an International Certificate of Vaccination (often called the 'yellow card') to enter, or when crossing between regions — and the certificate only becomes valid 10 days after vaccination. Tell us your full route and we'll advise whether you need it and make sure your timing works.
Malaria in the Amazon and lowlands
Malaria risk is mainly in lower-lying and Amazon regions rather than the high Andes. If your route takes you into those areas, our pharmacist will discuss whether antimalarial tablets are right for you, alongside the usual bite-avoidance — repellent, covering up and nets — which also helps against dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses.
Altitude in the Andes
Cities and treks high in the Andes — Cusco, La Paz, the Inca Trail — can bring on altitude sickness. We can talk you through ascending gradually, recognising the early signs, and whether medication to help prevent it is appropriate for your trip.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the countries and your route. Some require the certificate for entry or to move between regions. Bring your full itinerary and our pharmacist will tell you whether you need it.
At least 10 days before you travel, because the certificate only becomes valid after that. Booking around 4–6 weeks ahead gives comfortable margin for this and any other vaccines.
It's common in high places like Cusco and La Paz. We can advise on ascending gradually, spotting the symptoms, and whether preventive medication suits your plans.
Often yes for Amazon and lowland areas, but not usually for the high Andes. We'll check your specific route and give you a clear recommendation.
This information is grounded in NHS and TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) guidance and is for general information — not a substitute for a personal consultation. Your travel consultation is carried out by our pharmacist.
Plan your South America trip with us
Bring your route and we'll handle the vaccines, certificate and advice. Book online or call the pharmacy.