Yellow Fever in Brazil - Amazon

[The.Mayor]

Going with my wife to Brazil for 16 days. Leaving states 5/21. CdC is very not very helpful about need for y fever shot and malaria. Will be in Amazon near Manaus east and west of there and I .... falls, Salvador, Brazilia and a ton of other places. All I get is stats from CDC web page. 10000:1 to 20000:1 for y fever in the regions will be travel. These almost seem to to be negible. Shots are expensive and these. Only 5 travelers were infected by y fever last year.

 

I wonder if passpost control in Brazil will give you a hard time if you do not have a y fever shot? I hear immigration in Brazil can be iffy, so is it a matter of getting into country with less hassle or is there a real risk of getting y fever?

 

Anyone had any experience with y fever and Brazil. Falls in Argentina i hear should not be a problem. Am I correct in this assumption.

 

Any nfo is greatly appreaciated. I want to stay healthy too, but CDC has not been very helpful.:confused:

 

Thanks in advance.

[BldLvr]

We were in Brazil last Dec. but we were only in Rio and Santos and did not need the shot, if fact, we were never asked about it. I think if you are going to the interior you will need the vacc. but I am not sure. Usually when you go on the CDC site it gives you a map of the regions that require the shot. And don't forget your Brazlian visa, you won't even be allowed to board you plane in the states if you do not have a Brazilian visa. Enjoy your trip, BldLvr

[paul929207]

We are going to Peru next month. The trip includes a week cruise in the Amazon Rainforest. We got a yellow fever shot a couple of weeks ago and start the malaria pills in two weeks. No reaction for the yf shot for either of us. Also, needed a hepatitis shot.

 

Paul

[greatam]

Manaus is in the endemic zone for yellow fever. You will need the shot.

 

The biggest danger (other than getting the disease) NOT getting the shot is being barred from future travels . Quite a few countries will NOT allow you into their country without a yellow fever vaccination record if you have visas/stamps from countries where there are yellow fever outbreaks. You will be questioned. Due to language problems, you may NOT be able to make yourself understood that you didn't go into an endemic zone. If you can't make the immigration officer understand, you may not be allowed to enter the country.

 

Places I have personally been that checked: Peru checks for yellow fever if you have a Brazilian visa. China checks, Fiji checks, Ecuador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Phillipines.

 

For your own health and future travel, please get the shot. I know it is kind of expensive and some people do have a reaction. But a good travel clinic will be able to take care of the contingencies.

[pacmom]

Paul929207,

What company are you using for your cruise thru the rainforest. We are going with Noble Caldonia in Oct. and wonder if it is the same trip you are taking? If so would love to hear a report when you return. Even if not NC, would really like a bit of info about your trip. You can answer here or on the River cruise boards---will check both for your reply. Thanks in advance. Travel safely and enjoy. Pat

[Aussie Gal]

We went to Brazil twice last year. The first time was to Rio and the Iguazu Falls before boarding our ship.

 

If we hadn't had our yellow fever shots before we went to Brazil, we would not have been allowed entry back into our country. We also went to Peru and Ecuador after visiting Brazil and they checked our vaccination booklet to make sure we had them.

 

We then returned in Sept/Oct and went as far as Manaus from Vancouver. HAL made sure that every passenger had been vaccinated before being allowed to board. The actual injection was painless especially as I had another 3 on the same day being typhoid and hepatitis A. I also had an update for polio. I had no ill effects whatsoever and the Yellow Fever injection is good for a number of years, ten I think.

 

Jennie

[paul929207]

Pacmom,

 

We are traveling with Overseas Adventure Travel (part of Grand Circle) to the Amazon Rainforest. I will post comments went we get back.

 

Paul

[pacmom]

Paul,

 

Thanks so much. Have a wonderful trip. Looking forward to hearing about it. Travel safely and enjoy.

 

Pat

[pacmom]

Paul929207,

 

Hope your trip to Peru and on the Amazon was good. Eager to hear all about it. Pat

[slotl]

We were on the Prinsendam to Brazil and the Amazon in December. The cruise REQUIRED us to have the yellow fever yellow card (proof of receiving the yellow fever shot).

 

The shot is good for a long time, so I don't resent having to get the shot.

 

We also took Malaria pills which were recommended by the health department. The pills are very expensive and not required, but most of the folks on the ship were also taking their daily Malaria pills.

 

We did not take hepitis A or B shots.

[Keith1010]

Given that you are going inland within Brazil I would go ahead and get the shot whether or not it is required. Many times the issue of the Yellow Fever shot is that other countries will require it. But, again, given where you are going I would play it safe and get the shot.

 

Only certain places will administer the shot. So, go back to the CDC web site where you can find those places in your area to get the shot. The shot is good for ten years. You will each be given a card that is your proof that you got the shot. Be sure to carry these cards with you on your trip.

 

Just like any shot, there are also risks so be sure to read about them just so you know.

 

Keith

[saddlebrooke]

We were on the Prinsendam to Brazil and the Amazon in December. The cruise REQUIRED us to have the yellow fever yellow card (proof of receiving the yellow fever shot).

 

The shot is good for a long time, so I don't resent having to get the shot.

 

We also took Malaria pills which were recommended by the health department. The pills are very expensive and not required, but most of the folks on the ship were also taking their daily Malaria pills.

 

We did not take hepitis A or B shots.

My wife and I are going on a Princess cruise to Manaus. We will get the Yellow Fever shot. However, I have heard of bad side effects from the Malaria pills such as a sick feeling most of the time. Since you have taken these meds, could you give your experience with them>

Thanks.

Terry and Judy

[Seas the Day]

The yellow fever shot provides immunity for ten years. If you travel regularly you may as well get the shot now and not have to worry about it for a decade. I got mine last week for an upcoming trip to Peru and it hurt going in, but did not afterward. The nurse massaged the area for a bit after giving the shot and that helped a great deal.

 

I also chose to take hep a/b twinrix which is a series of three shots that gives theoretical lifetime immunity. I plan to travel to India in the next decade, and other spots where immunity is a good thing, so erred on the side of getting an immunization if it was recommended but not essential.

 

There are several options for malaria. Passport Health gave my daughter two choices - one medication is taken once a week and has more side effects and is more expensive, the second (Malarone) is taken every day, has fewer side effects and is less expensive. She chose Malarone because it is sometimes easier to remember to take a pill every day than once a week - particularly when days run into one another.

 

I do like Passport Health, a franchise found in most(?) cities. Their prices are a bit high but they are specialists in what you should do. FYI, our insurance paid for the Malarone because we were able to send the prescription in to our drug provider. The shots were not reimbursed.

[slotl]

Like Seas of the Day, we took the Malarone pills. We had NO bad effects from taking that pill.

[infohunter]

Got your shots today even though the cruise is still a ways away. Got Yellow Fever, Twinrx (first of three for Hep A&B), Typhoid, Tetanus/Diptheria, and Polio

 

While we aren't going to Malaria infective areas we are still considering taking. We were given three choices to consider. I'll try and summarize from the info I was given:

• Mefloquine (Lariam)
  • once a week
    
  • start one week before and continue for four weeks after
    
  • no alcohol should be consumed on the day the pill is taken
    
  • side effects in 20% of individuals
    
  • not for use by persons with a history of depression, seizure disorders, or on cardiac medications
    
  • $40 to $60 for a two week stay (7 pills)

  [*]Malarone (atovaquone & Proguanil)

  • once a day
    
  • start 1 to 2 days before and continue for 7 days after
    
  • take at the same time each day with food
    
  • side effects rare
    
  • not for pregnant or nursing women or persons with kidney disease
    
  • $120 for a two week stay (23 pill)

  [*]Doxycycline

  • this is also used as an antibiotic
    
  • once a day
    
  • start 1 to 2 days before and continue for 28 days after
    
  • side effects may include photosensitivity and interference with oral contraceptives and yeast infections.
    
  • no for pregnant or nursing women or children under 8
    
  • $20 to $30 for a two week stay (44 pills)

I'm thinking we will probably do the Malarone if we do.....

 

But now I'm ready for anything ;) Just wish I didn't have to wait!

 

Husband is feeling great.... As for me my left arm is a little sore right now. Okay as long as I don't try and lift up my arm. The shots were painless except for a slight and I mean very slight burning from the Yellow Fever shot.

[Keith1010]

I do like Passport Health, a franchise found in most(?) cities. Their prices are a bit high but they are specialists in what you should do. FYI, our insurance paid for the Malarone because we were able to send the prescription in to our drug provider. The shots were not reimbursed.

 

I agree. We went to them several months before going on a world cruise last year as that is one of the local places where we could get the yellow fever shot. They asked ahead of time what countries we would be visiting and they put together a nice bound book for us containing lots of information about these countries. While I had consulted with my doctor about vaccinations, etc. this is their area of expertise and I found the peope we dealt wiith a Passport Health to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

 

We will go back to them later this year as well.

 

Keith

[HUTCH-1]

I will be going on the Royal Carib's South American cruise in February for 15 nights. I was told that since I'll only be in Sao Paulo (Santos) and then Rio, the yellow fever shots are not necessary. Hope my TA is correct on this.

 

Sovereign-'93,Monarch-'94&'98,Majesty-'93&'96,Splendor-'97,

Song of America-'98,Rhapsody-'00,Explorer-'01&'02&'03,

Radiance-'02&'07,Mariner-'04&'05&'06&'07,Jewel-'04,

Empress-'05,Brillance-'05-back to back,Freedom-'06,

Voyager-'07,Splendor-'08,Sapphire Princess-'07-29nights,

Pride of Hawaii-'07,Celebrity-13 cruises,Oceania-Nautica,

'08,Adventure-'08(B2B)

[Keith1010]

I will be going on the Royal Carib's South American cruise in February for 15 nights. I was told that since I'll only be in Sao Paulo (Santos) and then Rio, the yellow fever shots are not necessary. Hope my TA is correct on this.

 

Sovereign-'93,Monarch-'94&'98,Majesty-'93&'96,Splendor-'97,

Song of America-'98,Rhapsody-'00,Explorer-'01&'02&'03,

Radiance-'02&'07,Mariner-'04&'05&'06&'07,Jewel-'04,

Empress-'05,Brillance-'05-back to back,Freedom-'06,

Voyager-'07,Splendor-'08,Sapphire Princess-'07-29nights,

Pride of Hawaii-'07,Celebrity-13 cruises,Oceania-Nautica,

'08,Adventure-'08(B2B)

 

Just a suggestion that you should make sure that your TA has confirmed this with the cruise line as well.

 

Keith

[greatam]

I will be going on the Royal Carib's South American cruise in February for 15 nights. I was told that since I'll only be in Sao Paulo (Santos) and then Rio, the yellow fever shots are not necessary. Hope my TA is correct on this.

 

 

As I have posted so many times on the SA board and others, please think of your future travels before you decide NOT to get a YF shot.

 

There are quite a few countries in the world that REQUIRE YF vaccinations IF you have been in an infected area.

 

You don't want to try to explain to a Chinese immigration officer when you speak no Chinese that Sao Paulo/Rio are NOT in "endemic zones" and you didn't need the vaccination. You may find yourself denied entry into any of the many countries that require YF if your passport has stamps/visas from countries with infected areas. It is up to the discretion of the immigration officer to decide whether you were in an infected area or not. And if you don't speak the language, you are definitely at their mercy.

 

I have seen people turned away in China, Peru, Vietnam, Panama, etc. etc. who were without the vaccination record. I was asked just this week entering Vietnam for proof of vaccination, as I have a fairly recent (March) Peruvian stamp in my passport. I was not in an endemic zone (Lima, Cusco and Puno) but if I had not had proof in my possession, I would have had to go back to Hong Kong. I don't speak enough Vietnamese to argue with anyone.

 

With the highly publicized TB cases flying around the world and new outbreaks of yellow fever in numerous countries, it really would be in your best interests to get the vaccination (unless you have a medical reason not to). That way your FUTURE travels will not be impacted.

[pacmom]

Well said, greatam.

[infohunter]

Exactly why we got ours.... it was a just in case for future travel options.

[Keith1010]

I think we have all given sound advice to the OP based on our own experiences. Most of us have taken the yellow fever shots before for similar trips. And, we have suggested going to a doctor who is knowledgeable in this area. We went to a company called Passport Health who I highly recommend (they have locations throughout the USA) as they are specialists in this area. We have said check with the cruise line. And, some have said get it anyway just in case when traveling to other countries down the road.

 

My experience on this is that there is really not much more to say except that the OP should now followup on some or all of this.

 

Keith