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?

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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