Vaccinations Needed: Travel Safe 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. Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, bordered by Brazil, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Argentina. The Andes Mountains dominate the landscape, and the country boasts a diverse range of climates and geographical features. When it comes to vaccinations, there are several recommended and required immunizations to consider before your trip.

Firstly, it is required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. This is mandatory for travellers aged one year or older. Additionally, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella). It is also advised to consult a medical professional for a personalized assessment of your vaccination needs, as certain factors such as itinerary, medical history, and planned activities may influence the specific vaccinations required.

Besides vaccinations, there are other health considerations to keep in mind when travelling to Bolivia. Malaria is present throughout the country, and anti-malarial medications are recommended. The type of medication will depend on your itinerary and length of stay, so be sure to consult a medical practitioner. Additionally, insect-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika may be present, so insect avoidance measures are crucial. Practicing food and water safety is essential, as is taking precautions to prevent altitude sickness, especially in regions like La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Lastly, it is important to ensure you have adequate travel insurance and access to funds, as you may need to pay upfront for medical treatment in Bolivia.

Hepatitis A

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is endemic in Bolivia, and the vaccine is recommended for all travellers by the CDC and WHO. The vaccine costs £62.50 per dose in the UK.

To prevent infection, it is important to practise good hygiene, especially when travelling to high-risk areas. This includes washing hands frequently, avoiding street food, and opting for thoroughly cooked food.

In addition to the hepatitis A vaccine, the CDC and WHO recommend that travellers to Bolivia also receive vaccinations for typhoid, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Yellow Fever

In Bolivia, yellow fever is primarily found east of the Andes. Regions over 7,500 feet (2,300 metres) do not have the virus. All travellers over 9 months should be vaccinated if travelling to the eastern regions. Bolivia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country with the virus. The vaccine is recommended for travel to Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz and Tarija departments. It is not recommended for regions under 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) in elevation.

To prevent mosquito bites, travellers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants (preferably permethrin-treated), and stay in buildings with window screens. Insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin is also effective.

Rabies

The rabies vaccine is recommended for long-term travellers to Bolivia and those who may come into contact with animals. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for high-risk individuals, and post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.

If you are travelling with a pet, you must present a rabies vaccination certificate when flying on domestic routes within Bolivia. The vaccine must have been applied at least one month before the flight, and the certificate must not have expired.

Typhoid

To prevent typhoid, it is important to practice good hygiene and consider vaccination when travelling to high-risk areas. The typhoid vaccine is available as a shot or an oral vaccine. The shot lasts for 2 years, while the oral vaccine lasts for 5 years. It is important to note that the oral doses must be kept refrigerated and the individual must be able to swallow pills.

In addition to the typhoid vaccine, the CDC and WHO recommend several other vaccinations for travellers to Bolivia, including hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which vaccinations are necessary for your specific travel plans and health situation.

Hepatitis B

The risk of contracting hepatitis B is higher for those who:

• Are visiting Bolivia frequently, staying for longer periods, or visiting friends and relatives.
• Have underlying medical conditions, such as chronic liver or kidney disease, or haemophilia (a clotting disorder).
• Are men who have sex with men.
• Change sexual partners frequently.
• Inject drugs.

Since 2000, universal routine immunization against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been implemented in Bolivia. However, a study in 2013 identified a persistent low seroprevalence of hepatitis B infection, even after a decade of universal immunization.

The CDC recommends that travellers to Bolivia get vaccinated against hepatitis B. This vaccine effectively triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, offering reliable, long-term protection against the virus.

Frequently asked questions