Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Live and Learn- Immunizations

Over the past weekend some of the other students living in Buenos Aires this summer and I went to brunch to get to know each other and discuss our upcoming plans. There are 10 Mizzou journalism students in all, 7 girls and 3 boys. I'm the only graduate student so I didn't know anyone else before this weekend but we all became quick friends. During the course of conversation, someone mentioned their recent vaccinations...

So procrastination is usually harmless, but this might be an exception. Travel immunizations are recommended 4-8 weeks before departure.

I leave for BA in 5 days.

According to Travel MD the following immunizations are recommended for Buenos Aires:

Hepatitis A

Recommended for all travelers

Typhoid

For travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)

Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given

Tetanus-diphtheria

Revaccination recommended every 10 years


But wait, it's not that simple. Travel MD continues that travelers leaving the Buenos Aires city limits should consider:

Yellow fever

Recommended for all travelers older than nine months who are going to the northern and northeastern forested areas of Argentina, including Iguacu Falls and all areas bordering Paraguay and Brazil

Rabies

For travelers at high risk for animal bites or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats


Maleria
Recommended for rural areas of Salta and Jujuy province (along border with Bolivia) and Misiones and Corrientes province (along border with Paraguay). Malaria is present in Iguacu Falls.

So now I am wondering, will I be having direct contact with bats? Hanging out in forested areas? These are difficult questions to answer in advance, so I'm thinking err on the side of caution? Appointment is set for Wednesday morning. Immunizations all around, just hope it's not too late!

1 comment:

  1. Thanks a lot for this info!!!
    We've already payed the rent for some Buenos Aires apartments, so I'm travelling to Argentina for sure.
    I think this info will be more than usefull for me :)
    Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete