Get a full list of the vaccines you need for Brazil, and learn about the risk of diseases and the best ways to protect yourself while away.

Vaccinations for
Brazil

Brazil is an exciting destination, however there is a risk of infectious diseases. Prepare your trip and check if you need any vaccinations for Brazil to ensure a pleasant holiday.

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01. Vaccine list

This article includes helpful travel health advice and a list of officially recommended vaccinations for Brazil.

While not everyone will need these listed vaccines, your medical history and itinerary may help you determine if you are vulnerable or at risk. For a personalised assessment, book a free telephone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses, who will create a vaccine plan based on your needs.

Most travellers

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Anytime before arrival

Typhoid

2 weeks before arrival

This vaccine is for most people going to risk areas. Amongst others, particularly people travelling to areas with poor sanitation should have the vaccine. Under special circumstances, you can have the vaccine less than 2 weeks before arrival. Book a free phone consultation for further information.

Protection

3 years

Certificate

Not required

Doses

Price

£35 per dose

Based on a standard programme for adults. Read more

Hepatitis A

Anytime before arrival

Some travellers

Yellow fever

10 days before arrival

Rabies

3 weeks before arrival*

02. Other health risks in Brazil

There are a variety of illnesses in Brazil for which there are no injections, so travel health advice on how to avoid contracting them may come in handy.

Malaria

The risk of contracting malaria is highest in the Amazon regions as well as Amapa and Manaus, and along the trans-Amazon highway, from Santarém to Cuiabá.

Travellers on cruises or travelling throughout the Amazon Basin, or visiting areas with jungles, mines, and agriculture, are strongly advised to consider antimalarial tablets.

The risk of malaria is low in Iguazu Falls, Belem, and the coast from Fortaleza to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. However, the risk is higher in surrounding forested areas.

Malaria is a serious disease spread by the bite of a mosquito causing severe flu-like symptoms. Early diagnosis is essential as the disease can be potentially fatal if not treated quickly. Precautions like using a mosquito bed net and repellents will help to avoid infection.

Symptoms can include feeling hot and shivery with a high temperature of over 38 ℃, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Pregnant women, children and the elderly are particularly at risk of a severe reaction to malaria.

Zika

There is currently an outbreak of zika in Brazil, mostly present in the southeastern part of the country. There is no vaccine to prevent the zika virus, so travellers visiting that region should take strict anti-mosquito measures during the day.

Pregnant women are advised to postpone travel to Brazil until after the pregnancy to avoid the risk of harming the baby.

Dengue

There are ongoing cases of dengue throughout Brazil, notably in São Paolo and Parana.

Mosquitoes carrying the virus are most present in towns, cities and surrounding areas that lack sanitation or are near stagnant water.

The transmission happens during the day and is especially high during the rainy season, from January to May, in Brazil.

The dengue virus is spread through the bite of mosquitoes. The disease can be mild and pass in about a week without causing any ongoing problems, but in rare cases dengue can be more serious and potentially life threatening.

Symptoms include high temperature, nausea, a red rash and in more severe cases, severe stomach pain, bleeding gums and loss of consciousness.

People at higher risk include long-term travellers and humanitarian workers, who are going to areas where dengue is widespread, while all travellers are at risk during outbreaks.

03. Precautions for Brazil

It is important to take precautions during your stay in Brazil, as the diseases can be spread in many different ways and the risk can increase at anytime.

Mosquitoes

There is a risk of malaria, dengue fever and zika in Brazil, and you cannot be protected against the diseases by vaccination.

Because of this, it is really important you protect yourself against the main cause of these infections, which is a mosquito bite, during your stay in the country.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from bites include:

using insect repellent that contains 50% DEET
using no more than 15-30% DEET on children
using alternatives to DEET on children younger than two months old
wearing loose, protective clothing and socks and shoes instead of sandals
sleeping under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide
being knowledgeable of where mosquitoes are commonly found

Food and water

All travellers going to Brazil should take care with food and water hygiene, as there is a risk of typhoid and hepatitis A, which are both transmitted through contaminated food and water.

If you are visiting friends or relatives in Brazil or are a long-stay traveller, you are at increased risk of consuming contaminated food and drinks, and you should therefore be extra careful.

You can reduce your risk of consuming contaminated food and water by:

avoid eating and drinking at places where the hygiene is questionable
washing hands frequently and using alcohol gel
only having water and other drinks from sealed bottles and cans
avoiding raw or undercooked foods, such as meat, fish or shellfish
avoiding street food, unless it is cooked in front of you and served hot
avoiding uncooked fruit and vegetables, unless you wash and peel it
avoiding unpasteurised dairy products, like milk, cheese and ice cream
brushing teeth with boiled or bottled water
only eating cooked food, served hot
avoiding tap water and ice cubes
avoiding buffets
avoiding salads

04. Useful contacts in Brazil

Below are some of the most useful services that you may need while in Brazil:

British Embassy Brasilia The British Embassy in Brasilia can assist you, if you are in need for urgent help. You can call them on +55 (61)3329 2300.

Local emergency medical services In a medical emergency, call 192 or 193.

The local general emergency number is 190, which, although it is the Military Police, can be used for requesting an ambulance.

For an English-speaking contact line for all emergencies that you may encounter during your stay, the Tourist Police +55 (11)3214 0209 in São Paolo and +55 (21)3399 7170 in Rio de Janeiro is available 24 hours.

Medical facilities and practitioners To choose a medical facility if you get ill while you are in Brazil, the British Consular Network in Brazil has prepared a list of reputable medical facilities and practitioners in Brazil, each accompanied by a simplified overview of services and useful information.

05. Checklist for your trip to Brazil

Check if you need vaccinations Speak with our prescribing nurses at least six to eight weeks before travel for advice on vaccinations for Brazil

Mosquito protection Ensure you have everything you need to minimise your chance of mosquito bites while in Brazil, including DEET insect repellent

Yellow fever certificate Recent cases have been confirmed in São Paulo and Parana state. Double-check if the yellow fever certificate is required upon entry in Brazil

Travel insurance If you become ill in Brazil and did not receive the right vaccinations before you left, your travel insurance can become void. So, make sure to check before you leave

Travelling with medication Check with the embassy of Brazil if there are any restrictions on medications before you travel

Note useful contact numbers Make a list of contacts to take with you to Brazil, as these can be helpful in case of an emergency

Content reviewed by

Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019

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