Vaccinations at a Glance
| Vaccine | Recommended for | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | All visitors to Amazon/Pantanal | Strongly recommended; required for some onward destinations |
| Hepatitis A | All travelers | Recommended |
| Hepatitis B | Extended stays, medical exposure | Recommended |
| Typhoid | All travelers | Recommended |
| Malaria prophylaxis | Amazon and Pantanal visitors | Recommended |
| Rabies | Long stays, animal workers | Consider |
| Tetanus/DTP | All travelers | Ensure up to date |
Yellow Fever
A single-dose vaccine providing lifetime immunity. Must be administered at least 10 days before entering a yellow fever risk area. Required by many countries if you arrive from Brazil. Get the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Available at travel clinics and many public health centers — free on the NHS in the UK.
Hepatitis A & B
Hep A is transmitted through contaminated food and water — relevant throughout Brazil, not just the Amazon. The vaccine is 2 doses over 6–12 months, or a combined Hep A+B vaccine (Twinrix) over the same period. If you're traveling soon, a single Hep A dose provides good protection immediately.
Typhoid
Typhoid is present throughout Brazil, particularly where food hygiene standards vary. The injectable vaccine (Vi polysaccharide) provides 2–3 years of protection with a single dose. The oral vaccine (Vivotif) is 4 doses over 7 days and provides similar protection. Get either at least 2 weeks before travel.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Only relevant if visiting the Amazon or border regions with Bolivia and Venezuela. Manaus city itself is low risk. For jungle lodges and river trips, prophylaxis is recommended. Options: Doxycycline (daily, start 2 days before, take for 4 weeks after), Malarone/Atovaquone-proguanil (daily, start 1–2 days before, take for 7 days after). Chloroquine is not effective in Brazil.
Timing Your Vaccinations
Start the vaccination process at least 6–8 weeks before departure to allow for multi-dose vaccines. At minimum, get yellow fever 10 days before, typhoid 14 days before and Hep A immediately (even a few days before travel provides some protection).
Where to Get Vaccinated
UK: NHS travel clinic or Boots/Superdrug travel health services. Yellow fever, Hep A and Typhoid are free on the NHS. USA: Travel clinic (find via istm.org), CVS Travel Health, or your GP. Australia: GP or travel clinic; yellow fever administered at approved centers only. In Brazil: SUS public health posts (UBS) administer yellow fever vaccine free of charge if you need it on arrival.