Amazon and Yellow Fever Inoculation

[tnr]

For those of you that have gone to the Amazon, did you get the yellow fever injection? Regent does not require it, and one of the possible side effects is horrible particularly for those over 60. I am really struggling with this. :(

[DrHemlock]

We did get it for our Navigator cruise up the Amazon in 2011 because Regent required it at the time. (They don't now?) They checked our doctor-issued immunization cards during pre-boarding formalities to be sure we had gotten the shot.

 

I was 67 and suffered no side effects, though that means nothing to someone else occupying a different body.

 

My understanding is that Brazil does not require the shot when traveling to the quite civilized areas where any Regent ship will be stopping. It's not like you're reenacting "Fitzcarraldo" or "The Emerald Forest" here. So if Regent now doesn't require it, then why take the risk of side effects?

[tnr]

I did call Regent and they said it was now recommended but not required. The Amazon apparently carries the mosquitos that carry yellow fever and that is my concern with not getting the inoculation. But there is a much higher chance of dying from the vaccination if you are over 60.

[DaveFr]

I suggest you speak to your doctor or a travel medicine specialist about the risks of a yellow fever vaccination. You may be overestimating the risks of the vaccination so get the facts from a professional. If you are over 65, check with your doctor about the possibility of getting a certificate of exemption from the vaccination requirement.

 

I'm surprised you don't have to have a vaccination for the cruise. While the vaccination is not required for Brazil, your first stop after the Amazon is Devil's Island in French Guiana. French Guiana requires all travelers to have a yellow fever vaccination. I would double check with Regent about this.

[Swelldame]

A question for any experienced travelers who may know:

 

Is proof of vaccination required by the country you wish to return to? I always read that "Regent" or "Brazil" require the vaccinations, but I would think that the US would be more concerned with letting an unprotected person back into the country after exposure. Or, is it both?

[TedC]

Had yellow fever shot prior to safari in Kenya many moons ago. No aftereffect. Had malaria pills but didn't use them because guide and two MDs on safari did NOT use them so we didn't. (Also on Amazon recently on Regent but missed Devil's Islands - disappointed!)

 

And lived to tell the story!

 

 

BUT CHECK with your MD

Edited February 23, 2014 by TedC

[Keith1010]

A question for any experienced travelers who may know:

 

Is proof of vaccination required by the country you wish to return to? I always read that "Regent" or "Brazil" require the vaccinations, but I would think that the US would be more concerned with letting an unprotected person back into the country after exposure. Or, is it both?

 

I'm the end it is. It the cruise line that decides. It is all based on the countries that are on the itinerary and whether or. It they require it.

 

My experience is that has never been the USA that requires it. Rather it is other locations. For example on some of our visits to Brazil on another line we had to have them because Barbados required them. The CDC web site does a good job of showing what countries require them.

 

As to the original posters question if Regent does not require them meaning that none of the countries being visited requires them, I would discuss with a travel specialist physician and your own physician. As part of this discussion also bring the itinerary and be prepared to discuss what those of tours you are doing. For example if you are just visiting the ports many of which are cities that is different than going inland. Again best to speak with a physician and have the details with you.

 

Keith

Edited February 23, 2014 by Keith1010

[Wendy The Wanderer]

The CD C or similar agency websites will have the answers. Yes, some countries require the cert if you've visited an affected area. But only in the tropics I think. We took the shots, no effects, but no one ever looked at the certificates.

[harrodsfan]

we got the shot before our Amazon cruise last year. I had had one before. My husband and I are in our mid 60ies and no one told us not to have the shot.

Other than a slightly sore arm we had no side affects. And it was never required. I seem to recall reading that they have recently discovered that if you have it once you really don't ever need another shot. That the immunity lasts for life.

We did not need malaria pills either on the Amazon.

But good advice to check with your doctor.

[journeyfan]

You would not need to show proof of vaccination to re-enter the US, but if you had to leave the cruise early because of a family emergency..... as I had to do on my Regent Rio-to-Miami cruise.... I would not have been able to debark in Barbados as I did because Barbados (as well as several other Caribbean countries) requires visitors to have a yellow fever certificate if they've traveled to Brazil.

[tnr]

Thanks everyone for your input. I guess I just freaked out a bit, but I think it is a definite necessity from your comments. Journeyfan, you brought up a very good point. I have also been in a situation where we had to depart early because of a medical emergency.