Vaccination Requirements For Visiting 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. Bolivia is a developing nation in South America with diverse geographical features, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon basin. While it offers a range of unique attractions, there are also health risks to consider. Here's a guide to help you prepare for your trip and understand the vaccinations and other measures you may need.

Vaccinations: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Polio, and Rabies

Vaccinations are an important part of staying healthy while travelling. Here is some detailed information about the recommended and required vaccinations for Bolivia:

Yellow Fever:

Yellow fever is a serious illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It is primarily found in rural areas of Bolivia, specifically in regions east of the Andes at altitudes under 7,500 feet (2,300 meters). A yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever. It is recommended for all travellers over 9 months old who will be visiting the specified regions. The vaccine provides lifetime protection.

Typhoid:

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. The risk of typhoid is higher in areas with limited access to safe water and adequate sanitation. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travellers going to Bolivia, especially those visiting regions with poor sanitation. The shot lasts for 2 years, while the oral vaccine lasts for 5 years.

Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact. The risk of hepatitis A is higher in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travellers to Bolivia.

Polio:

Due to a global increase in polio cases, an additional adult booster of the polio vaccine is recommended for travellers to any destination, including Bolivia. Polio is transmitted through contaminated food and water.

Rabies:

Rabies is a deadly viral infection spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites or scratches. Bolivia is considered a high-risk country for rabies, and the vaccine is recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come into contact with animals. Pre-exposure vaccination is crucial for high-risk individuals, and post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure.

Malaria prevention

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. While there is no vaccine available, there are antimalarial medications that can help prevent the disease. Malaria is widespread in Bolivia in regions below 2,500 feet elevation, and antimalarials are recommended for all travellers to the country.

The CDC recommends that travellers going to certain areas of Bolivia take prescription medication to prevent malaria. The medication you take will depend on your specific itinerary and health situation, so it is important to consult a travel health specialist or your doctor to determine which medication is best for you. Some medications need to be started several days before your trip, so be sure to see a doctor well in advance of your departure.

In addition to taking antimalarial medication, there are several other precautions you can take to reduce your risk of contracting malaria:

• Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers, especially after sunset.
• Use insect repellents on exposed skin.
• Sleep under a mosquito net when necessary.

It is important to be vigilant about preventing mosquito bites, as many of the diseases spread by mosquitoes in Bolivia cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine.

Food and water safety

Drinking Water Safety:

• Tap water quality varies across regions in Bolivia, so it is essential to exercise caution.
• If you are unsure about the tap water quality, bring it to a rolling boil or use water disinfection methods like filtration, ultraviolet light, or chemical disinfection.
• As a last resort, opt for bottled water from a reputable source, ensuring the bottle cap is sealed.

Food Safety:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom.
• Avoid street food and opt for thoroughly cooked food from established restaurants with good hygiene practices.
• Exercise caution with high-risk foods, including undercooked or raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products.
• Avoid restaurants and food vendors that appear unclean or have few customers, as proper food handling and hygiene practices may be lacking.
• A traveler's diarrhea kit is recommended for all regions.

General Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the local cuisine and common food safety practices in Bolivia before your trip.
• Pack water filtration tablets or a water filter to ensure access to safe drinking water.
• Pack or purchase ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling, especially if you plan to hike or camp.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water, and consider peeling them before consumption.
• Avoid ice cubes and drinking tap water.

Avoiding bug bites

To avoid bug bites in Bolivia, you should take precautions against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects. These bugs can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme, some of which cannot be prevented with vaccines or medication. Here are some tips to help you avoid bug bites:

• Check your destination and activities: Different destinations and activities may require specific precautions. For example, if you plan on hiking or camping in forested areas, you may be more exposed to insects.
• Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection against ticks and mosquitoes. Alternatively, you can use products with picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Always follow the instructions on the repellent and reapply as directed.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Cover your skin as much as possible by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed shoes. Pull your socks over your pants and tuck your shirt into your pants.
• Treat clothing with permethrin: You can buy permethrin products to treat your clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-treated clothing and gear. Do not apply permethrin directly to your skin.
• Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms: Choose accommodations with window and door screens or air conditioning to keep insects out.
• Use a bed net: If you are unable to find a screened or air-conditioned room, or if you are sleeping outdoors, use a mosquito net. Choose a compact, white, rectangular net with 156 holes per square inch, and long enough to tuck under your mattress.
• Additional tips for ticks: Ticks are commonly found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Avoid these areas if possible, and always check your body and clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors.

By following these precautions, you can help protect yourself from bug bites and the potential diseases they may carry.

Altitude sickness

To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you ascend to high elevations gradually, giving your body time to acclimatise. Staying hydrated is also important, as is avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Medication such as acetazolamide can help prevent altitude sickness.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to descend to lower altitudes as soon as possible and seek medical assistance if necessary.

Other ways to prevent altitude sickness include:

• Packing appropriate clothing for the varying weather conditions in Bolivia.
• Carrying a Spanish-English dictionary to facilitate communication with locals.
• Avoiding tap water and ice cubes, and being cautious with raw fruits and vegetables.
• Consulting a doctor before travelling to discuss any necessary precautions or medications.

Frequently asked questions