Travel

Vaccines and Medicines

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

When traveling in Peru, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Peru, see malaria in Peru.

Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Peru, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:

• Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
• People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
• People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Peru
• Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.

Yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Peru, so CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. For more information on this recommendation, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Peru .Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.