Brazil Vaccinations?
 

Apologies if this has been posted before, but my search shows outdated information on vaccinations. Traveling to Brazil for 2 weeks in October -- 2 nights in Manaus, 4 nights/3 days in the Amazon on Rio Negro, 2 nights Iguassu, 3 nights Rio and wondering what vaccinations I should get. Visited CDC and some of it seems overboard. Was planning on Yellow Fever shot and Malaria pills (even though high acidic levels in Rio Negro means no mosquitos). Do I need Typhoid, Hep A, etc.

I'm curious as to why you think the CDC website is out of date and why you don't think Hep A, typhoid etc are recommended?

I meant the responses to/requests for info about vaccinations on the fodors.com forum are out of date. CDC does recommend routine shots, Typhoid, Hep A and B and Rabies, but WHO only says Yellow Fever and Malaria. So curious as to what other travelers are getting done.

My doctor recommended the following: yellow fever, Hep A and B, tetanus, typhoid, diptheria, plus malaria pills. I felt like a pin cushion by the end!

Definitely Yellow Fever -- and malaria prohylaxis for Manaus and the Amazon. No malaria risk in Iguassu and Rio -- but use your insect repellant anyway against Dengue Fever.

Hep A: don't leave home without it. Typhoid is less effective vaccine than Hep A, but still helpful for longer trips and/or adventurous eaters/people who don't have much control over what they're eating. Tetanus/diphtheria not necessary specifically for this trip but should be updated anyway if you're not current. Hep B: not a bad idea in general -- or avoid needles in any shape or form. No souvenir tatoos or body piercing! <grin> Do drink lots of fluids if you have any gastrointestinal problems; you don't want to need IV fluids. (BTW I work in a travel clinic.)

I was just reading on some of the sites of clinics that offer yellow fever vaccinations that they caution about giving them to people over 60 yrs of age. My husband and I are 61 & 62 and don't have any medical problems, but now I am concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. We are planning to visit Iguasu falls and Belo Horizonte.

What are your thoughts?

There is definitely Yellow Fever risk in both Iguassu and Belo Horizonte. There are some age-related risks to receiving the vaccine FOR THE FIRST TIME after age 60, more so after 65. If you have ever had the YF vaccine before at any time previously in your life, those age-related risks disappear. You should visit a travel clinic and discuss risks vs. benefits with them, based on your personal situation.

Then, if you don't want to get the vaccine, maybe you change your itinerary to avoid or significantly restrict your time in these areas -- and religiously practice insect precautions? Or if you do go ahead and get the vaccine now, you'd be protected for 10 years -- and wouldn't have to worry about those age-related risks if you are still traveling to YF areas (South American jungle areas or sub-Saharan Africa) in your 70's and need a booster! :-)

Please discuss it with a specialist.

Thanks everyone. To close the loop, just got my shots on Friday. Yellow Fever, Hep A and a Tetnus shot. Got an oral prescription for Typhoid and Malaria pills (Malarone). Arms a little sore, a little redness around one of the shots, just not sure which shot caused it, and was a bit fatigued over the weekend, but otherwise all good.

don't forget your mosquito spray.