Excited about exploring the Amazon rainforest or hiking in the Andes, but unsure which vaccinations you need first?

The vaccinations you need for South America depend on your specific destination, length of stay, planned activities, and medical history. While some vaccines are routine and recommended for most travellers, others are required for entry into certain countries or advised based on regional disease risks.

South America includes diverse environments, from major cities to Amazon rainforests and high-altitude regions. Disease exposure risks vary significantly between countries such as Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Bolivia.

Before travelling, you should review both entry requirements and health recommendations, ideally at least 4 to 8 weeks before departure.

Vaccinations for South America are recommended to protect against infections transmitted through food, water, mosquito bites, animal contact, or close personal contact.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for most travellers to South America because the virus spreads through contaminated food and water. Even travellers staying in urban hotels or established tourist areas may be exposed, as food handling and sanitation standards can vary.

Hepatitis A can cause fever, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice, and may lead to prolonged illness that disrupts travel plans.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination is advised if you may have close contact with local residents, require medical treatment abroad, undergo procedures such as dental care, or plan an extended stay. The virus spreads through blood and bodily fluids.

Hepatitis B can cause acute liver inflammation and, in some cases, long-term liver complications.

Typhoid

Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or regions where food and water hygiene standards may be inconsistent. Infection typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Typhoid fever may result in prolonged high fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration, occasionally requiring hospital treatment.

Rabies

Rabies vaccination may be considered if you plan outdoor activities, work with animals, or travel to remote areas where prompt medical treatment may not be readily accessible. Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals, including dogs and bats.

Once symptoms develop, rabies is associated with a very high fatality rate, making early prevention and prompt post-exposure management important.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to certain tropical and endemic regions of South America, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Ecuador. The need for vaccination depends on the specific areas you plan to visit within each country.

Some South American countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. In such cases, you must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.

In addition, Singapore requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have travelled to or transited through a country in South America that is classified as having risk of yellow fever transmission within six days prior to arrival in Singapore, regardless of the specific city or region visited.

Routine Vaccinations

Routine immunisations should be up to date before travelling to South America, as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can still occur globally. These include:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis
• Influenza (Flu)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

In addition to recommended vaccinations for South America, you should also consider infectious and environmental risks that vaccines do not fully prevent.

Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya

These mosquito-borne viral infections are present in many parts of South America and can cause fever, joint pain, rash, and fatigue. Widely recommended travel vaccines are limited, so prevention relies mainly on mosquito bite precautions.

Travellers' Diarrhoea

Travellers' diarrhoea is a common illness caused by bacteria in contaminated food or water, most often due to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Less commonly, it may be associated with cholera in settings with poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, or during local outbreaks and humanitarian crises.

Symptoms may include loose stools, abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Practising good food hygiene and drinking bottled or properly treated water can help reduce the risk of infection.

Altitude-Related Illness

High-altitude destinations such as Cusco in Peru and La Paz in Bolivia can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath due to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. Gradual acclimatisation and a pre-travel medical assessment are important, particularly if you have underlying health conditions.

At ATA Medical, we provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations for South America, with the prices as follows:

*Prices are NETT (where applicable) and inclusive of GST.
^Prices last updated on Feb 16, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please contact our team to confirm the latest rates.

If you are unsure which vaccinations are suitable for you, our doctors can advise based on your travel itinerary, duration of stay, medical history, and current immunisation status.

In addition to vaccinations for South America, taking practical precautions can help reduce the risk of illness or injury during your trip.

• Practise safe food and water habits – Choose freshly cooked food served hot, avoid raw or undercooked items, and drink bottled or properly treated water to reduce the risk of food- and water-borne infections.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites – Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing in high-risk areas, and stay in accommodation with appropriate mosquito control measures where possible.
• Manage sun and heat exposure – Stay well hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly, and limit prolonged sun exposure, especially in tropical or high-altitude regions.
• Ensure adequate travel insurance – Confirm that your policy covers overseas medical care and emergency evacuation, particularly if visiting remote areas.

If you develop fever, persistent diarrhoea, rash, or respiratory symptoms during travel or after returning to Singapore, consult a doctor and mention your recent travel history.

Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of your vaccinations.

Vaccinations offer significant individual benefits by boosting the immune system's ability to fight off specific infectious diseases. They reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses, leading to fewer medical visits and a lower chance of hospitalization.

By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, individuals can also enjoy a greater sense of well-being and freedom to engage in various social activities, knowing they are protected against contagious diseases.

At ATA Medical, we offer a wide range of vaccinations to meet your various health needs, from travel to seasonal immunity, ensuring you are well-protected. Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this allows you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

Our vaccination clinics are conveniently located in Central Singapore. Same day appointments for vaccinations are available.

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)
• Jurong Clinic (Closest MRT: Jurong East NS1/EW24)

• Anson Clinic
• Orchard Clinic
• Jurong Clinic