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

Vaccinations for
Peru

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.

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01. Vaccine list

Below, you can see the recommended vaccinations for Peru. These are official recommendations.

Once you know your trip itinerary, book a free telephone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses, with whom you can create a personal assessment and determine whether or not you will need any of the listed injections for Peru.

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*

Hepatitis B

4 weeks before arrival*

02. Other health risks in Peru

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

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.

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 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.

Dengue

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.

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 Peru

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.

Mosquitoes

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.

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 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.

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 Peru

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.

05. Checklist for your trip to Peru

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

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

Content reviewed by

Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019

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