Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Mexico & Central America (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/)
-   -   Vaccinations (https://www.fodors.com/community/mexico-and-central-america/vaccinations-431130/)

belhr May 12th, 2004 05:38 PM

Vaccinations
 
I'm wondering if anyone knows whether we need any vaccinations for Ecuador? We're going to the Galapagos, the Andes and to a jungle lodge in the Amazon.
Has anyone been told they need vaccinations/ malaria tablets for these places?

stephie0107 May 12th, 2004 06:02 PM

hi- I'm not sure, but I know if you check the state department's website they specify if there are any recommended or required vaccinations in their profiles. good luck!

TioGringo May 12th, 2004 09:33 PM

It really depends on where exactly you're going, how long you'll be there, etc.

Check web sites like www.who.int and
www.mdtravelhealth.com If you have questions, ask a doctor or seek out a travel health specialist --- do not rely on the anecdotal advice of people in this or any other forum.

Several weeks before visiting Ecuador, I talked about my trip plans with my doctor. While he did recommend some vaccines (including HepA), he specifically recommended against any anti-malarials *FOR ME* because I was planning to stay mostly in the Andean highlands, where malaria is a total non-issue. He told me that if I were spending much time in the Amazon basin, he *WOULD* have recommended the anti-malarial. It all depends on your itinerary and finding a doctor who knows something about travel medicine...

The web sites I mentioned should at least help you know what questions to ask if you do choose to ask a real medical professional...

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

JeanH May 13th, 2004 03:59 AM

I'll second TioGringo's very good advice. You really need to find a physician who knows about travel medicine. Different parts of South America means different anti-malarial drugs. If you're going to be in the jungle, you probably should take the meds.

I'm a firm believer than any traveler to Central/South American should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A. It's a required vaccine for kids entering school in some states in the US.

A couple years ago they were also recommending yellow fever vaccine for the kids from here who were traveling to the Galapagos.

Jean

Percy May 13th, 2004 12:52 PM

When I went to Ecuador and the GAlapagos last year,I called the 1-800 number for Centre of Disease Control in the USA and the Government Health Agency in Canada..
I talked personally to a person each time and was advised there was no vaccination I needed.

Nor did I require malaria tablets but then I was not going into the Amazon jungle.
They have updated information to whatever region in the world you are travelling to and they will tell you what you require.

I was asked if I was going to this certain region in Peru ,because if I was then I needed a Yellow Fever Vaccine... but I said "no"and she said, "your okay,you do not have to take any vaccine."

Give them a call..it is a free call
Percy

mikemo May 14th, 2004 07:04 AM

Do get the HepA vaccine and take Ultrathon insect repellent.
M

jctraveler Jun 15th, 2004 01:05 PM

According to a medical chart in my doctor's office and my MD, adults need Hep A (3 doses over 7 mo), Hep B (2 doses over 6 mo) and malaria pills starting a few weeks before you leave.

JeanH Jun 15th, 2004 01:25 PM

Hep. A is two shots, Hep. B. is three. Unless you're from Canada where they're a combined vaccine.

Different areas of the country have different recommendations.

Jean


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:19 AM.