Colombia Vaccinations

If you’re going to be traveling to Colombia, you need to be aware that most physicians will recommend that you have up-to-date vaccinations. Some of the vaccinations for Colombia are going to be very specific for that region. Be aware of these issues before you start making your travel plans to the region.

Vaccinations for Colombia: All Travelers

There are a few vaccinations recommended for all travelers who will be visiting the country. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Diphtheria-Tetanus are all examples. Hepatitis A is the least serious form of Hepatitis but does cause inflammation of the liver that requires treatment. Eating raw food or unpeeled produce that has come in contact with contaminated water is a main cause for the disease. Similar causes can lead to the contraction of Typhoid, an illness caused by a type of Salmonella bacteria.

Other Required Vaccinations for Colombia

Some travelers will need additional Colombia vaccinations. For example, if you are planning on leaving the main cities, you should consider a vaccine against Yellow Fever. If there is a change you may have intimate or sexual contact with anyone in Colombia or if you are planning an extended stay in the country, you should also receive a Hepatitis B vaccination. If you may have contact with animals in Colombia, you may want to have a rabies vaccination, too.

Preparing for Colombia Vaccinations

You can’t wait until the last minute to get the vaccinations for Colombia that you need. Instead, you need to visit your physician one to two months before you leave. A full examination should be conducted, and your medical history should be reviewed to ensure that you will be as prepared as possible before entering the country.

Keep in mind that you may also need an MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine if you have not had one yet. And if you travel to low-lining regions of Colombia, you may also be at risk for contracting malaria.