Which vaccinations will I need?

We recommend that you always make an appointment with your GP/doctor/medical centre or travel clinic before you travel to get the very latest advice.

The NHS Fit For Travel website contains for up-to-date health advice and lists the common vaccinations normally required.

Our Destination Guides for each country have extra information about required inoculations.

In general, courses or boosters for Hepatitis A are usually advised.

Typhoid fever is not common in some parts of South America, but some doctors recommend a typhoid vaccine. Also diphtheria, polio and tetanus or tetanus booster, as well as hepatitis B and tuberculosis are to be considered.

A pre-exposure rabies vaccination is worth considering if you are going to be in contact with animals or more than 24 hours away from a reliable source of vaccine. Hikers are at some risk from rural dogs.

Yellow Fever can occur in the rainforest and is a often requirement for travel in some South American countries.

Anti-malarial protection (chloroquine) is recommended only in risk areas (Amazon rainforest etc).

In the UK, contact the Malaria Reference Laboratory for the latest information.

North Americans should contact the Centers for Disease Control.