Peru is a popular destination, notably known for its UNESCO landmark. Checking if you need any vaccinations for Peru before you go, is important for reducing health risks during your trip.
Below, you can see the recommended vaccinations for Peru. These are official recommendations.
Book an appointment online to get vaccinated at your local pharmacy. If you are unsure as to which vaccinations you require, book a free telephone consultation with one of our medical advisors, who will create a vaccine plan based on your needs.
Most travellers
Some travellers
In Peru, there is also a risk of diseases that do not have a vaccine. For your safety, we suggest you still keep these in mind.
Malaria is a risk present in all regions of Peru and throughout the entire year.
Currently, the cities and towns in and around the Andean valleys below 2300 m / 7545 ft and the Amazon region along the border with Brazil and Bolivia, including the tourist areas of Manú National Park, Tambopata National Reserve (Madre de Dios), and Pacaya Samiria (Loreto) are affected.
Risk is low in eastern Junin and western Ayacucho, so antimalarials are not recommended for most travellers unless you have a previous illness with a fragile immune system.
The following areas are risk-free zones: Lima, Cuzco, Puno, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the coastal region of Chiclayo, and the departments of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna.
Risk is low or non-existent at altitude above 2000 metres including the Inca Trail, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.
There are confirmed cases of zika and a risk of contracting it in Peru. The cases have been reported in the Piura region. The places with the highest risk are Los Aganos, Chulucanas, Castilla and Catacaos.
There is a risk of dengue in Peru. The risk is present all year, but with higher risk during the rainy season, from January to July.
To lower your exposure and risk to contracting dengue, mosquito bite avoidance is recommended.
It is important to take precautions during your stay in Peru, as the diseases can be spread in many different ways and the risk can increase at anytime.
There is a risk of malaria, dengue fever and zika in Peru, and you cannot be protected against the diseases by vaccination.
Because of this, it is really important you protect yourself against mosquito bites, as they are the main cause of these infections during your stay in the country.
All travellers going to Peru 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 Peru or are a long-stay traveller, you are at increased risk of consuming contaminated food and drinks, and you should therefore be extra careful.
Below is a brief list of some of the most important services that you may need while in Peru.
The British Embassy in Lima The British Embassy in Lima can assist you, if you are in need of urgent help. You can call them on +51 1 617 3000.
Local emergency medical services If you need urgent medical assistance while you are in Peru, dial the following numbers and ask for an ambulance: +51 1 225 4040 (for Lima - Alerta Med), +51 1 467 4861 (for Lima - Clave 5), +51 1 241 1911(for Lima - Plan Vital).
Medical facilities and practitioners If you get ill while you are in Peru, it is important you have adequate travel insurance to cover a variety of costs, such as repatriation, as medical treatment can be expensive and is not always available in some parts of the country.
Check if you need vaccinations Book an appointment at your local pharmacy at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel to get vaccinated
Yellow fever certificate There are reported cases of yellow fever in Peru. Check the specific entry requirements concerning certificates, as they may change
Mosquito protection Bring everything needed to avoid mosquito bites while in Peru, including DEET insect repellent
Travel insurance If you become ill in Peru and did not receive the right vaccinations before you left, your travel insurance can become void. So, make sure to check before you leave
Note useful contact numbers Have a list of useful contacts with you in Peru in case of an emergency
If you already know which vaccinations you need, you can book a vaccination appointment at your local pharmacy.
If you would like to discuss your specific requirements with a medical advisor, book a free telephone consultation. A Practio nurse will give an individual assessment of your needs and recommend a suitable vaccination programme.
Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019
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