When traveling to rural areas of Peru for two weeks, it's important to ensure you're protected against certain diseases that are more common in those regions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised to check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include
Routine Vaccines
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Chikunguya
There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Peru within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:
People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Peru, OR
People planning to stay in Peru for a cumulative period of 6 months or more
Hepatitis A Vaccine:
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Peru.
Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, are immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Peru. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Peru.
Malaria
CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Peru take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
Measles
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6â11 months, according to CDCâs measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
Rabies
Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Peru.
Rabies is also commonly found in some terrestrial wildlife species and bats.
If rabies exposures occur while in Peru, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
Typhoid Vaccine
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Yellow Fever
Vaccine is not required.
Vaccine is recommended for all travelers â„9 months old going to areas <2,300 m (7,550 ft) elevation in the regions of Amazonas, Cusco, HuĂĄnuco, JunĂn, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Pasco, Puno, San MartĂn, and Ucayali, and designated areas of Ancash (far northeast), ApurĂmac (far north), Ayacucho (north and northeast), Cajamarca (north and east), Huancavelica (far north), La Libertad (east), and Piura (east).
Vaccine is generally not recommended for travel limited to the following areas west of the Andes: the region of Tumbes and designated areas of Cajamarca (west-central), Lambayeque (west-central), and Piura (west).b
Vaccine is not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (7,550 ft) elevation, areas west of the Andes not listed above, the city of Lima (the capital), and the highland tourist areas (the city of Cusco, the Inca Trail, and Machu Picchu).
Altitude Sickness Prevention: If you plan to travel to high-altitude areas (like Cusco or Lake Titicaca), discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness.
Additional Health Precautions:
Insect Bite Prevention: Use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net if accommodations are not adequately screened or air-conditioned.
Food and Water Safety: Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes in drinks, eat food that is fully cooked and served hot, and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
Your doctor may give you antibiotics to treat travelersâ diarrhea, but consider using them only for severe cases. If you take antibiotics, take them exactly as your doctor instructs. If severe diarrhea develops soon after you return from your trip, see a doctor and ask for stool tests so you can find out which antibiotic will work for you.
Personal Safety Supplies: Pack a basic first-aid kit, including antiseptics, bandages, and any personal medications you may need.
Consult a Healthcare Professional:
It's important to schedule an appointment with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific itinerary, current health status, and the latest health advisories.
Remember: Health recommendations can change, and a healthcare professional will have the most current information. Safe travels!