Trying to get information about what type(s) of immunizations to get before leaving on a 4-month trip to Ecuador and Peru. Better to do in the U.S.A. (costs a lot at travel clinics), or once we arrive
We are a family of four from Central Oregon. In January 2010, we will be traveling to Ecuador and Peru, for a total of about 4-months. We know that we will spend 2-3 in Quito, about 1-month in Banos, Ecuador (volunteering) and about 6-weeks in Huanchaco, Peru, a coastal village in northern Peru. I have visited the CDC.gov website to try to get some information on what we should absolutely get before we leave...and what might be advisable...etc. Physicians here don't have the dengue fever, yellowfever, typhoid or malaria meds; one must go to a travel clinic. Travel clinics where I live charge a consultancy fee (of anywhere from $50-$100/person), then each shot costs anywhere from $80 to $150. I am not certain whether our health insurance will cover this kind of thing - or all of it, as it is out of the norm of routine vaccines. So, I am looking for advice. I was thinking that the shots we could easily get here (Hep A/B, tetanus) we would, and then try to find a clinic in Quito, shortly after we arrive. While we might head out for some trips, my guess is that the first week or so we'll stay pretty close in. We love any advice, information, websites, personal stories that one cares to share. Thanks!!
Reply to this Yellow fever is a must.Alot of countries ,including Australia and Brazil, won't let you enter if you've been in Sth Am without Yellow Fever shots.I got my shots done at ROE laboratories in Lima Peru.ROE are a group of very reputable clinics and have a clinic in Miraflores ,the main tourist part of Lima.
The shot cost me around $25 instead of the $180 in Australia.
Peru has many roadside clinics that have free Yellow Fever shots but these places often have electricity failures so the syrum may have spent time unrefridgerated.People are dying ,from the syrum, often enough that it is a well known story.
In Banos jump the San Fransisco bridge.It is much higher ,and scarier than the popular jump bridge
Reply to this Thanks for the information. We'll be landing in Quitos, Ecuador and will be there for about 3-weeks, before heading to Banos. Are you familiar with clinics in Quito. I am inclined to get the shot in SA; same deal, in the US the shots run about $150, plus a "consultancy fee" of anywhere from $55 to $85/person. There are 4 of us, that adds up quick!
Reply to this What about drugs for malaria. The CDC website suggests a drug regimen for malaria throughout most of Ecuador and Peru. Are these drugs available in Quito? Anyone know if so, where and how much they cost?
Reply to this Again Roe laboratories told me that there is no Malaria in the populated areas of Sth Am.I travelled everywhere without taking my meds.I believe that you only need your meds if you are going into the remote jungles.I travelled up the Amazon from Yurimaguas to Iquitos without meds.
Please I am no Doctor though.It is possible I am just lucky but the side affects from most Anti-Mals can be bad so please do your research and only take if neccesary
Reply to this Hello Shari 😊
The WHO(World Health Organisation) website is a good place to check which vaccinations you need for the various countries, as well as which you need Malaria protection for.
Mel
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