Are shots needed for Peru visit?
 

We are going to Peru in October 2009 and I'm wondering if any shots are recommended. I have read many posts about Peru and have not seen any recommendations relating to shots or vaccines. We are doing the basic trip - Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco, Puno, Arequipa, Colca Canyon. We will not be visiting the jungle at all. Thanks in advance for any advise on this!

It's recommended to get Hepatitis A/B (can be had with a combo shot) You should start this now, but you should check with doctor to be sure you can take the shots. Mine wanted to run blood work first.

Also get a scrip for Cipro or take Pepto Bismol. Something like 1/3 to 1/2 of travelers seem to get intestinal upsets.

Strongly recommend you consult a doctor or travel clinic for up to date and informed advice because things do change constantly. I have had just about every vaccination going as I went to work in Africa for a while so feel prtty much protected against almost anything. We spent 6 weeks in Peru last year (great place BTW!) and visited all the places you mentioned. The previuos posters coments re Hep a & B and Ciproflaxin are spot on. Peru is a developing country and food hygiene standards are pretty lax to say the least, and dont assume that if you stay in 5* places that it necessarily means the hygeine is any better than a street stall or market (at least you can see what is happening with teh food there).

by all means get a prescription for Cipro (if indeed that is still the antibiotic of choice for the area) but it is possible to buy it over the counter in Peru and is probably a lot cheaper than at home. I suggest that you get some on arrival as when you need it you need it quickly!!

www.mdtravelhealth.com Peru

correct info from Travel MD

No jabs required but usual childhood and Hep jabs suggested.

Have fun.

Thanks all for your advice and excellent resources!

Hi Cactexas, I'm going to be traveling to Peru (Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco) in December. I was wondering what vaccinations you ended up getting. Thanks!