Vaccinations before heading to Peru

Before you board the plane to the mystical region of Peru, make sure you have gotten all the recommended vaccinations for Peru visitors. Any time you travel outside the United States it is wise to first research what, if any, vaccinations are recommended. The list of recommended vaccinations for Peru visitors can vary depending on your age, length of stay, vacation plans, and other variables. The basic list of vaccinations for this region, however, includes the following:

Hepatitis A- recommended as a standard vaccination for all travelers
Typhoid- recommended as a standard vaccination for all travelers
Yellow Fever- recommended for areas east of the Andes Mountains (not needed for Machu Picchu, Lima, or Cuzco).
Hepatitis B- this is recommended if you are visiting the area for more than six months, or if you think you could have intimate contact with a local
Rabies- this is recommended for those travelers who will have direct contact with animals and may not have accessible medical care
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - recommended specifically for those who were born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria- recommended revaccination every ten years

Please, keep in mind that this list of vaccinations for Peru visitors is neither extensive nor comprehensive, and for a personalized list, it would be wise to consult your doctor. It may also be wise to ask your doctor about other recommended steps to take in order to protect yourself when traveling abroad. For example, on top of the vaccinations for Peru visitors, it is not uncommon for a doctor to recommend malaria prophylaxis. Often times the region you are visiting, where and what you plan to eat and drink, and the intended length of your stay can add health risks, so a doctor may recommend other courses of action on top of the recommended list above.