How to Get Immunizations for Venezuela

Venezuela is located in the northern part of South America. There are both mountainous and lowland areas, and as a whole is considered to be in the tropic zone. In recent years, the political situation in Venezuela has been unstable. Due to health risks from mosquitoes in the lowland and jungle areas, you should get the yellow fever vaccination unless you are staying in the northern part of the country.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website to obtain the most recent list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccinations are needed (see Resources below). Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers, except young children and pregnant women. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas in Venezuela other than along the northern coast. Immunizations for typhoid and rabies are necessary when there is a chance of exposure to these illnesses.
2. Review the status of your routine immunizations. Get a tetanus shot if it has been at least 10 years. Get the booster for Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR), unless you are pregnant, if you have never received a second vaccination. If you will be exposed to Hepatitis B by contact with local residents, you should get this vaccination.
3. Find out what the current yellow fever and malaria situation is for Venezuela at the World Health Organization website. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended, particularly when traveling to a mosquito-infested area. Malaria is a problem throughout the year in some rural areas and Amazon regions.
4. Call your physician at least 2 months prior to your trip to schedule the immunizations at the optimum time before departure. Get Hepatitis A and other immunizations 1 month before travel and yellow fever 10 days prior to departure.
5. Visit your physician at the properly scheduled times for the various vaccinations. Many combination vaccinations are available, such as hepatitis A+B and hepatitis A+typhoid, to reduce the number of pricks. Oral medications are available for typhoid and malaria prevention.

Tips & Warnings

• Take DEET with you for prevention of mosquito bites if you will be visiting lowland or other mosquito infested areas.
• Drink bottled water to prevent typhoid and avoid beverages with ice made from the local water supply.