Yellow Fever Shot: Getting Vaccinated In Bolivia

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to take the necessary health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. One of the key considerations is whether you need a yellow fever vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities provide guidelines to help travellers make informed decisions about their health and safety. In the case of Bolivia, there are specific recommendations and requirements for the yellow fever vaccine.

Bolivia, a developing nation in central South America, presents a risk of yellow fever transmission, particularly in regions east of the Andes Mountains and at altitudes below 2,300 meters (approximately 7,500 feet). The CDC advises that vaccination is required for travellers aged one year and older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Additionally, it is recommended for all travellers over nine months of age who plan to travel to specific departments and areas within Bolivia, such as Beni, Santa Cruz, Pando, and certain regions of La Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, and Tarija.

To summarise, it is essential to consult official guidelines and seek advice from a healthcare professional to determine your specific needs for the yellow fever vaccine when travelling to Bolivia. By taking the necessary precautions, you can focus on enjoying the diverse natural and cultural experiences that Bolivia has to offer.

Where to get the yellow fever shot in Bolivia

Yellow fever is a serious and potentially deadly illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The yellow fever vaccine is a must for anyone visiting areas where the disease is present. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travellers over nine months of age who will be travelling to areas of Bolivia east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 m). This includes the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija.

The cities of La Paz and Sucre are considered risk-free zones for yellow fever, and the vaccine is not recommended for travel to these areas.

If you are planning to travel to Bolivia, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic to determine if the yellow fever vaccine is recommended for your specific itinerary. You can also refer to online resources, such as the CDC website, for country-specific vaccine information and recommendations.

In addition to getting the yellow fever vaccine, it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with window screens.

• Consult your primary healthcare provider: Schedule an appointment with your doctor or nurse to discuss your travel plans and determine if the yellow fever vaccine is recommended for you. They can administer the vaccine or refer you to a specialist clinic.
• Visit a travel health clinic: Many cities have dedicated travel health clinics that provide travel vaccines and advice. They can provide you with the yellow fever vaccine and other recommended vaccinations for Bolivia.
• Online booking services: Some websites offer online booking services for travel vaccine appointments, allowing you to find a convenient location and time for your vaccination.
• On-site vaccination at travel clinics: If you are already in Bolivia, you can visit a local travel clinic or hospital to receive the yellow fever vaccine. These clinics often cater specifically to travellers and can provide additional advice and services.

It is important to plan ahead and get vaccinated at least a few weeks before your trip to ensure that the vaccine has time to take effect and provide protection. The yellow fever vaccine is typically valid for life, and you may need to present a vaccination certificate upon entry to Bolivia, especially if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Yellow fever vaccination requirements for Bolivia

Yellow fever is a serious and potentially deadly illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The yellow fever vaccine is a must for anyone visiting areas at risk. The vaccine provides lifetime protection, and a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinee.

Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged one year or older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes countries in Africa and the Americas. The vaccination is recommended for all travellers over nine months old travelling to areas east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 metres), including the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and parts of La Paz, Cochabamba, Chuquisaca, and Tarija.

The cities of La Paz and Sucre are considered risk-free, and the vaccine is not recommended for travel to areas above 7,500 feet in elevation.

It is important to note that countries may change their vaccination requirements without notice, and travellers should be prepared to show a certificate of vaccination or a waiver stating medical reasons for not being vaccinated. Additionally, the World Health Organization's (WHO) entry requirements are subject to change, so travellers should refer to the most up-to-date information before departure.

Recommended vaccinations for travel to Bolivia

When planning a trip to Bolivia, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice on recommended vaccinations and other health precautions. Here is an overview of the key vaccinations to consider:

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended for travellers to Bolivia, especially those visiting areas east of the Andes Mountains at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 meters), such as the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and certain areas of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. This vaccine is typically required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. It is important to note that some countries may require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon entry, so be sure to check the specific requirements for Bolivia before your trip.

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccination is generally recommended for travellers to Bolivia, as the disease is spread through contaminated food and water. The vaccine helps protect against this potentially serious bacterial infection.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Bolivia, especially if you are unvaccinated. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact, so taking this vaccine can provide important protection.

Polio

Due to the global increase in Polio cases, an additional adult booster of this vaccine is recommended for travellers to Bolivia. Polio is spread through food and water, so ensuring your vaccinations are up to date is crucial.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, and Bolivia is considered a higher-risk region. Vaccination is recommended if you plan to travel to regions under 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in elevation.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral infection spread through the saliva of infected animals, and Bolivia is considered a high-risk country. The vaccination is recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come into contact with animals.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers to most regions of Bolivia. This vaccine provides protection against the hepatitis B virus, which is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids.

COVID-19

It is recommended to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations before travelling to Bolivia, as with any international travel.

Other Vaccinations

In addition to the above, you may also consider vaccinations for influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Consult a healthcare professional to determine which vaccinations are most appropriate for your specific travel plans and health status.

How long before travel should I get my yellow fever shot?

It is recommended that you get your yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travelling to Bolivia. This is because proof of vaccination is not valid until 10 days after getting the vaccine, the time needed to develop immunity to the yellow fever virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also stipulated that a completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis is valid for the lifetime of the vaccinee, and yellow fever vaccine booster doses are not necessary.

Some sources recommend getting the vaccine 4-6 weeks prior to travel. This is because it takes time to develop immunity to the virus, and because some countries require proof of vaccination at their borders. In addition, the vaccine can have serious and sometimes fatal side effects, so it is important to discuss your full medical history with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.

If you are travelling to Bolivia, it is important to check the specific recommendations for that country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travellers who are 9 months or older and who will be travelling to areas below 2,300 m (7,550 ft) in elevation, east of the Andes Mountains. This includes the entire departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. The vaccine is not recommended for travel to areas above 2,300 m (7,500 ft) in elevation, including the cities of La Paz and Sucre.

In addition to getting the yellow fever vaccine, it is important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, as this is the primary way that the yellow fever virus is spread. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in accommodations with window screens.

What to do if I can't get the yellow fever shot

If you are unable to get the yellow fever vaccine for medical reasons and are travelling to a country that requires it, you must obtain a medical waiver from a yellow fever vaccine provider. Your doctor will need to fill out the 'Medical Contraindications to Vaccination' section of your yellow card and provide you with a waiver letter. It is also recommended that you contact the embassies of the countries you plan to visit for more information.

In addition, there are other precautions you can take to protect yourself from yellow fever. As the disease is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, you can avoid mosquito bites by:

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Staying in well-screened or air-conditioned areas

It is also important to note that yellow fever is not transmitted from person to person, and there is no medicine to treat or cure the disease. However, some treatments can help reduce symptoms.

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on the skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if you are sleeping in an area that is exposed to the outdoors.

Frequently asked questions