Travel Vaccines for South America — Mississauga Travel Clinic
Yellow fever, typhoid, malaria prevention, and full pre-travel consultation for Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and beyond — at Peel Travel Clinic, Heartland Town Centre.
Address
550 Matheson Blvd W, Units 106/107
Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Inside Heartland Town Centre
Hours
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Preparing for Travel to South America
South America draws millions of travellers each year — from the Amazon rainforest to Machu Picchu, the Andes, Patagonia, and the beaches of Brazil. Health risks vary dramatically by country, region, altitude, and activity. Yellow fever, malaria, and typhoid are the primary vaccine-preventable concerns, while altitude sickness is a major non-infectious risk for Andean destinations.
A pre-travel consultation at Peel Travel Clinic covers your full South America itinerary — countries visited, urban vs. jungle travel, altitude, duration, and personal health history — to build a personalized vaccination and prevention plan. We stock yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A & B, rabies, and other travel vaccines on-site and can prescribe antimalarials and altitude medication during the same visit.
Book 6–8 Weeks Before Departure
The rabies series takes 3–4 weeks, yellow fever must be given at least 10 days before entry, and hepatitis B requires multiple doses. Starting early ensures everything is on the optimal schedule. Departing soon? Call us — we can often accelerate key vaccines.
Required & Recommended Vaccines for South America
Based on PHAC and WHO guidance. Individual recommendations depend on your specific countries, regions, and activities — discuss your itinerary with our travel health practitioner.
Certificate required for entry into Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru if arriving from certain countries. Strongly recommended for travel to Amazon basin and jungle regions regardless of entry requirements.
High risk across most of South America, especially outside major cities. Both Typhim Vi (injection) and Vivotif (oral) available. Administer at least 2 weeks before departure.
Recommended for all travellers. 2-dose series provides 20+ years of protection against contaminated food and water.
Recommended for longer stays, adventure travel, or any potential healthcare exposure. Twinrix (Hep A+B combined) is an efficient option.
3-dose pre-exposure series recommended for jungle travel, rural areas, wildlife encounters, or stays in remote regions where post-exposure treatment may be delayed.
Recommended for travellers to the "meningitis belt" border regions and for certain outbreak areas. Discuss your itinerary with our practitioner.
Confirm tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster is current. Recommended every 10 years; essential before adventure or rural travel.
Malaria Risk in South America
Malaria risk is concentrated in the Amazon basin and rural lowland areas. Major cities and high-altitude Andean destinations are generally low or no risk.
| Risk Level | Areas | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| High Risk | Amazon basin Brazil (Amazonas, Pará, Roraima states), rural Peru, rural Colombia, rural Bolivia, rural Venezuela | Malarone or Doxycycline strongly recommended |
| Moderate Risk | Rural areas of Ecuador (below 1,500 m), border areas of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana | Antimalarial prophylaxis recommended — consult travel health practitioner |
| Low / No Risk | Argentina (most), Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay (most), major cities (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Lima, Bogotá, Buenos Aires), high-altitude Andes cities | Mosquito precautions; antimalarials not typically required for city-only itineraries |
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) and doxycycline require a prescription. Our travel health practitioner can prescribe during your pre-travel consultation based on your specific itinerary and health history.
Other Health Risks for South America Travel
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is endemic in the Amazon basin and tropical regions of Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Vaccination is required for entry into some countries from certain origins, and strongly recommended for jungle or rural travel. The ICVP certificate is valid for life after one dose.
Altitude Sickness (AMS)
Acute mountain sickness is a significant risk at high-altitude Andean destinations: Cusco (3,400 m), La Paz (3,600 m), Quito (2,850 m), Lake Titicaca (3,800 m). Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be prescribed at your pre-travel consultation. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol at altitude.
Dengue Fever
Dengue is widespread across tropical South America, including Brazilian cities. Risk peaks in rainy season. No vaccine is routinely recommended for most travellers — prevention relies on DEET repellent, long sleeves, and mosquito nets.
Traveller's Diarrhea
Risk is moderate to high across most of South America outside major tourist infrastructure. Drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice and raw salads, and carry oral rehydration salts. Standby antibiotics can be prescribed at your consultation.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs, bats, and wildlife across South America, particularly in rural and jungle areas. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (3-dose series) is recommended for jungle travel, adventure activities, or remote stays. If bitten, wash immediately and seek post-exposure treatment without delay.
Chagas Disease
Chagas (American trypanosomiasis) is transmitted by triatomine 'kissing bugs' in rural mud-walled homes across parts of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Risk is low for most travellers in standard accommodation. Discuss your accommodation type at your consultation.
South America Travel Vaccine Timeline
6–8 weeks before departure (ideal)
Start rabies PrEP series (3 doses over 21–28 days), begin hepatitis B or Twinrix series, receive yellow fever vaccine (certificate valid 10 days after). Receive typhoid and hepatitis A. Book malaria prescription and altitude medication if needed.
2–4 weeks before departure
Complete remaining vaccine doses. Typhoid and hepatitis A reach full protection 14 days after administration. Confirm antimalarial supply and acetazolamide prescription if visiting high-altitude areas.
1–2 days before / day of departure
Begin Malarone 1–2 days before entering a malaria zone. Pack standby antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, DEET repellent, and any prescription medications.
Frequently Asked Questions — Travel Vaccines for South America
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for South America?
Is malaria a risk in South America, and which countries are affected?
What vaccines do I need for Machu Picchu and Peru?
What vaccines do I need for Brazil, including for Carnival or city travel?
How far in advance should I book my travel vaccine appointment for South America?
Can I get medication for altitude sickness before my trip to the Andes?
Where can I get travel vaccines for South America in Mississauga?
Book Your South America Pre-Travel Consultation
Peel Travel Clinic — 550 Matheson Blvd W, Units 106/107 · Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Walk-ins welcome · Call ahead to book · Start 6–8 weeks before travel