Vaccination Requirements For Bolivia: Yellow Fever And More

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to consider the necessary vaccinations and health precautions to ensure a safe journey. One of the key concerns for travellers is the risk of yellow fever, a serious illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for travellers visiting regions of Bolivia east of the Andes at altitudes below 7,500 feet, specifically the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. However, it is not recommended for regions above 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) in elevation. Additionally, Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged one year or older arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Who needs the yellow fever vaccine when travelling to Bolivia?

The yellow fever vaccine is required for travellers to Bolivia who are aged one year or over and are arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccine is recommended for all travellers over nine months old who will be travelling east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 metres).

The yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for travel to regions over 7,500 feet (2,300 metres) in elevation, such as the cities of La Paz and Sucre.

The CDC and WHO recommend that, in addition to the yellow fever vaccine, travellers to Bolivia also receive vaccinations for:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Where is the yellow fever virus found in Bolivia?

The yellow fever virus is found in Bolivia east of the Andes Mountains, in the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. Regions over 7,500 feet in elevation do not have the virus.

Yellow fever is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease is mainly found in rural areas of affected countries, but outbreaks in urban areas can occur. The yellow fever vaccine is a must for travellers visiting at-risk regions and provides lifetime protection.

In Bolivia, the mosquito species Aedes aegypti spreads the virus, along with other diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya.

What are the requirements for the yellow fever vaccine in Bolivia?

The yellow fever vaccine is required for travellers to Bolivia who are aged 1 year or over and arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 9 months old who will be travelling to areas east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 metres). This includes the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija.

The yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for travel limited to areas above 7,500 feet in elevation and any areas not previously listed, including the cities of La Paz and Sucre.

The CDC and WHO recommend that all travellers to Bolivia be vaccinated against yellow fever, especially if they will be travelling to areas with active outbreaks of the disease. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if the yellow fever vaccine is necessary for your specific itinerary and to receive the vaccine if needed.

In addition to the yellow fever vaccine, there are several other vaccines that are recommended or required for travel to Bolivia. These include vaccines for typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which vaccines are necessary for your specific travel plans and to ensure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines.

What are the risks of not getting the yellow fever vaccine before travelling to Bolivia?

The yellow fever vaccine is required for travellers to Bolivia who are over 1 year old and arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 9 months old who will be travelling east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 meters).

Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquito bites. It is deadly in 20%–50% of cases. The disease is mainly found in rural areas of affected countries but outbreaks in urban areas do occur.

If you choose not to get the yellow fever vaccine before travelling to Bolivia, you are at risk of contracting the disease. As there is no specific treatment for yellow fever, prevention through vaccination is critical.

• Exposure to Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of yellow fever, and by not getting vaccinated, you increase your risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
• Serious Illness: Yellow fever can lead to a serious and sometimes fatal illness. The disease has a high mortality rate, ranging from 20% to 50% of cases.
• Lack of Lifetime Protection: The yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection. By not getting vaccinated, you lose out on this long-term protection against the disease.
• Travel Requirements: Some countries, including Bolivia, require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, especially if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Not having the required vaccination may restrict your ability to enter the country.
• Outbreak Risk: While yellow fever is typically found in rural areas, outbreaks can occur in urban settings as well. Not being vaccinated puts you at risk during such outbreaks.
• Transmission to Others: By not getting vaccinated, you not only put yourself at risk but also increase the risk of transmitting the disease to others if you become infected.

What other vaccines are recommended for travel to Bolivia?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bolivia:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

The CDC also recommends that all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Additionally, the following vaccines are routinely advised for life in Britain and should be confirmed as up-to-date before travel:

• Seasonal flu vaccine
• COVID-19 (if eligible)
• MMR
• Vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks, and underlying medical conditions

Other vaccines to consider include:

• Diphtheria
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Hepatitis B is selectively advised for individuals at the highest risk.

Frequently asked questions