Vaccinations For Bolivia: What Shots Do I Need?

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to consider the necessary vaccinations and health precautions to ensure a safe journey. While Bolivia offers a diverse range of attractions, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, it also poses potential health risks that travellers should be aware of.

Firstly, it is recommended that travellers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, and others. Additionally, specific vaccinations for Bolivia may be required or strongly recommended, such as yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, and cholera. Malaria prophylaxis is also advised for certain regions, and insect bite prevention is crucial due to the presence of diseases like Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya.

Beyond vaccinations, travellers should take precautions with food and water to reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhea. It is also important to be cautious when interacting with animals, as rabies is prevalent in the country. Altitude sickness is another concern, especially in high-altitude regions like La Paz, Uyuni, and Potosi.

To summarise, consulting a healthcare professional or travel clinic before your trip to Bolivia is essential to determine the specific vaccinations and health precautions required for your journey.

What vaccines do I need?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travellers to Bolivia get vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. It is also recommended that travellers are up to date with their routine vaccinations, such as the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) and the diphtheria, tetanus, and polio (DTP) vaccine.

The risk of contracting certain diseases is higher in Bolivia than in other parts of the world, so additional vaccines may be recommended, depending on factors such as the areas you will be visiting and the activities you plan to do during your trip. These vaccines include rabies and hepatitis B.

If you are entering Bolivia from a country where yellow fever is present, you may be required to show proof of vaccination against the disease upon arrival. This is the case even if you are only transiting through a country where yellow fever is present.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic for specific advice regarding the vaccines you need for your trip to Bolivia. They will take into account factors such as your health, previous immunisations, areas you will be visiting, planned activities, and the length of your stay.

In addition to getting vaccinated, it is also important to take other precautions to reduce your risk of infection. This includes taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, practising good food and water hygiene, and avoiding contact with animals.

How can I avoid bug bites?

To avoid bug bites in Bolivia, it's important to take precautions against mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, which can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. Here are some detailed instructions to help you avoid bug bites:

• Cover your skin: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to cover your exposed skin. This will create a barrier between your skin and insects, reducing the risk of bites.
• Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for effective protection against ticks and mosquitoes. Alternatively, you can use products with active ingredients like picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Always follow the instructions on the label when applying insect repellent.
• Treat clothing and gear: Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents. Permethrin is an insecticide that repels or kills insects like mosquitoes and sand flies. Do not apply permethrin directly to your skin.
• Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms: When possible, choose accommodations with air conditioning or window and door screens to keep insects out. This will reduce your exposure to bugs while resting or sleeping.
• Use a bed net: If you are unable to find screened or air-conditioned rooms, consider sleeping under a mosquito net. Choose a net that is compact, white, rectangular, with 156 holes per square inch, and long enough to tuck under the mattress. Permethrin-treated mosquito nets offer even better protection.
• Be cautious during outdoor activities: Activities like hiking, camping, and visiting farms or forested areas can increase your risk of bug bites. Be mindful of your surroundings and take extra precautions during these activities.
• Check for ticks regularly: Ticks can be found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Conduct full-body checks after spending time outdoors, and use a mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas. Remove ticks promptly and properly if you find any attached to your skin.
• Stay alert for changing weather conditions: Adjust your plans if the weather becomes unsafe. Insects are more active during certain weather conditions, so staying informed can help you avoid peak bug activity.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. If you don't have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face, and if you need to, ensure your hands are clean first.

By following these instructions, you can significantly reduce your risk of bug bites and the associated diseases while visiting Bolivia.

What food and water precautions should I take?

When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to take precautions to ensure food and water safety. Here are some detailed instructions and recommendations to help you minimise the risk of food and waterborne illnesses during your trip:

• Avoid Tap Water: Do not drink tap water in Bolivia. It is recommended to use bottled water for drinking, brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth. Even when brushing your teeth, accidental ingestion of tap water can occur, so it is best to use bottled water to be safe.
• Food Precautions: Be cautious when choosing food options. It is advisable to favour established restaurants and opt for thoroughly cooked food choices. It is generally recommended to avoid street food.
• Water Treatment: If you need to treat water, boiling it for 5-10 minutes is an effective way to kill bacteria. Alternatively, you can use bleach for water treatment. Add 16 drops of bleach to a gallon of water (3-4 drops per litre), stir, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Please note that both these methods are for emergency situations, and bottled water is always the safest option.
• Water Purification Tablets: Water filtration tablets can be used to purify water in emergencies. However, they may not remove all contaminants, so it is still recommended to opt for bottled water whenever possible.
• Avoid Ice Cubes: The water source for ice cubes may not always be reliable, so it is best to avoid using them in your drinks.
• Food Safety Precautions: Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Avoid raw foods like salads and raw fish. Cooked foods are generally safer.
• Travellers' Diarrhea Kit: It is recommended to carry a travellers' diarrhea kit with you when travelling to Bolivia. This kit can help you manage any gastrointestinal issues that may arise during your trip.
• Altitude Sickness: Bolivia has high-altitude regions, and altitude sickness can be a concern. To minimise the risk, gradually ascend to high elevations, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and consider medication like acetazolamide. If you experience symptoms like headaches or dizziness, descend to lower altitudes and seek medical assistance if needed.

What should I do to avoid altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when your body is exposed to a higher elevation within a short period of time. The higher the elevation, the lower the air pressure and oxygen levels. While our bodies can handle the shift, they need time to adjust. Here are some tips to avoid altitude sickness:

• Allow your body to acclimatise by ascending gradually. Avoid travelling from a low elevation to a high elevation in a short space of time. If possible, spend a few days at 8,000-9,000 feet before travelling higher.
• Once you are above 9,000 feet, increase the elevation at which you sleep by no more than 1,600 feet per day. For every 3,300 feet you ascend, spend an extra day at that elevation without ascending further.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and sleeping pills for at least the first 48 hours after arriving at a high elevation. Alcohol can suppress your breathing while you sleep, and opiate painkillers or sedatives can also decrease your breathing.
• Stay hydrated. It's easy to become dehydrated at high altitudes, as the air is less humid and you may be breathing more.
• Eat extra carbohydrates. At higher altitudes, you need more calories, so pack plenty of healthy snacks, including whole grains.
• Climb at a comfortable pace. Don't overexert yourself with strenuous exercise.
• If possible, take day trips to a higher elevation and then return to a lower elevation to sleep.
• If you have to fly or drive directly to a high altitude, pick a lower altitude to stay at for 24 hours before going all the way up.
• If you have any existing medical conditions, talk to your doctor before travelling to high altitudes.

What other health risks do I need to know about?

In addition to the various recommended vaccinations, there are other health risks to be aware of when travelling to Bolivia.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a serious concern in Bolivia, especially in the following departments: La Paz, Uyuni, Oruro, and Potosi. If you plan to visit these areas, consult a healthcare professional before your trip to take the necessary precautions. They can advise on acclimatisation, hydration, and medication to prevent altitude sickness.

Food and Water Safety

To reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhea and other illnesses, follow basic food and water safety precautions. Eat only thoroughly cooked food and avoid street food. Wash your hands frequently, and only drink bottled water.

Infections

In addition to mosquito-borne illnesses, other infections are prevalent in Bolivia, including:

• Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis): Spread by triatomine bugs, also known as kissing bugs.
• Dengue: Spread by mosquito bites, causing fever, headaches, and severe muscle pain.
• Leishmaniasis: Spread by sand fly bites.
• Zika: Spread by mosquito bites and sexual transmission, with a risk of birth defects during pregnancy.

Animal Bites

Animal bites and scratches can transmit serious diseases such as rabies. Avoid contact with animals, especially stray dogs, and seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched.

Personal Safety

Bolivia has a risk of violent crime, including armed robberies and assaults, particularly in tourist destinations. Exercise caution when using public transportation and avoid travelling alone at night. Keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying signs of affluence.

Frequently asked questions