Gloucester Travel Clinic

    Travel Health: Brazil

    Essential vaccines, malaria advice, and health guidance for Brazil travellers.

    Brazil

    South America

    Brazil is South America's largest and most diverse country, attracting UK travellers to Rio de Janeiro's iconic beaches, the Amazon rainforest, the Iguazu Falls, and vibrant cities like São Paulo and Salvador. Brazil presents significant health risks including Yellow Fever, mosquito-borne diseases, and malaria in the Amazon region. As a certified Yellow Fever vaccination centre, we strongly recommend consulting us at least 6–8 weeks before departure.

    Recommended Vaccines for Brazil

    Yellow Fever

    Required

    Required for entry if arriving from certain countries. Strongly recommended for Amazon, Pantanal, and Iguazu Falls.

    Hepatitis A

    Recommended for all travellers. Spread through contaminated food and water.

    Typhoid

    Recommended, especially if visiting local markets or eating street food.

    Hepatitis B

    Recommended for longer stays or potential medical treatment.

    Rabies

    Recommended for Amazon visits, rural areas, or outdoor adventure activities.

    DTP Booster

    Ensure routine diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations are current.

    MMR

    Ensure you've had two doses — Brazil has experienced significant measles outbreaks.

    Cholera

    Consider for travel to remote Amazon communities or areas with poor sanitation.

    Malaria Risk in Brazil

    Malaria risk in Brazil is significant in the Amazon basin, including the states of Amazonas, Pará, Acre, Rondônia, and Amapá. Major cities like Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, and coastal resort areas are generally malaria-free. Antimalarial tablets are strongly recommended for Amazon and Pantanal visits. Bite prevention measures including DEET repellent and treated mosquito nets are essential in risk areas.

    Key Health Risks

    • Yellow Fever — risk in forested areas, Amazon, Pantanal, and Iguazu Falls. Vaccination is strongly recommended and may be required.
    • Dengue fever — widespread throughout Brazil, including major cities. Transmitted by daytime-biting mosquitoes.
    • Zika virus — present in Brazil. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should seek specific advice.
    • Chikungunya — mosquito-borne viral disease present throughout Brazil.
    • Travellers' diarrhoea — common, especially outside major hotels. Practise good food and water hygiene.
    • Crime and personal safety — be vigilant in major cities, especially in tourist areas. Avoid displaying valuables.

    Travel Health Tips for Brazil

    1Book vaccinations at least 6–8 weeks before departure — Yellow Fever vaccine must be given 10 days before arrival.
    2Use DEET-based insect repellent day and night — dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever are all mosquito-borne.
    3Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) for Yellow Fever if visiting risk areas.
    4Drink only bottled water and avoid raw foods from street vendors in less developed areas.
    5If visiting the Amazon, ensure you have antimalarials, a treated mosquito net, and comprehensive medical insurance.
    6Take out travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities and medical evacuation from remote areas.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccine for Brazil?+
    Yellow Fever vaccination is strongly recommended for visits to the Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu Falls, and many rural areas. It may be required for entry depending on your previous travel. As a certified Yellow Fever centre, we can administer the vaccine and issue your international certificate.
    What other vaccines do I need for Brazil?+
    We recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccines (DTP, MMR) are up to date. Rabies is advised for Amazon or adventure travel. Hepatitis B for longer stays. A consultation will provide personalised advice.
    Do I need malaria tablets for Brazil?+
    Yes — if visiting the Amazon basin, Pantanal, or certain rural areas. Major cities and coastal resorts are generally malaria-free. Our pharmacist will assess your specific itinerary.
    Is Zika a concern for travellers to Brazil?+
    Yes — Zika virus is present in Brazil. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy within 3 months of travel should seek specialist advice and take rigorous mosquito bite prevention measures.
    How far in advance should I get vaccinated for Brazil?+
    At least 6–8 weeks. Yellow Fever vaccine must be given at least 10 days before entering a risk area. Japanese Encephalitis (if also visiting Asia) needs multiple doses. Last-minute travellers should still attend for same-day vaccines.

    Travelling to Brazil?

    Book a travel health consultation and get all the vaccinations and advice you need before you go.