Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over visiting most regions of Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo states, Minas Gerais, the Pantanal, Iguacu Falls and the Amazon basin.
Risk areas were expanded following outbreaks between 2017 and 2018, and current guidance from WHO and UKHSA continues to support vaccination for most itineraries involving rural or inland travel.
A single vaccine dose provides lifelong protection for most individuals. The certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Malaria
Malaria risk is present in parts of the Amazon basin, including Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins.
There is no malaria risk in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Iguacu Falls or coastal resort regions.
Travellers to affected regions may require:
- Prescription antimalarial medication
- Mosquito bite avoidance measures
Antimalarial tablets are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where required, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber for individual assessment.
Zika and Pregnancy
Zika virus is present in Brazil and remains an important travel consideration.
UKHSA guidance advises that:
- Pregnant travellers should avoid non-essential travel to areas with active Zika transmission
- Women planning pregnancy should consider delaying conception for at least three months after returning
- Male partners returning from Brazil should use condoms or abstain from sex for three months, regardless of symptoms
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, seek medical advice before travel.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Brazil, particularly in rural and Amazon regions where exposure to wildlife and domestic animals is more likely.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for longer stays, rural travel, cycling, running and animal exposure risk.
If exposed:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic if available
- Attend hospital or A&E immediately
Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.
Other Health Risks
Dengue fever is widespread in Brazil, with peak transmission typically occurring between December and May. There is currently no routine dengue vaccine offered to first-time UK travellers, so mosquito bite avoidance is essential both day and night.
Other mosquito-borne and parasitic infections include chikungunya, leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis in certain regions.
Food and water hygiene is important to reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea, hepatitis A and typhoid.
When to Book
We recommend booking your Brazil travel vaccination appointment six to eight weeks before departure.
If required, yellow fever vaccination must be given at least 10 days before arrival in a risk area or for onward travel compliance.
What We Can Supply
Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.
During your visit we can:
- Assess your full travel itinerary and risk profile
- Provide personalised travel vaccination advice
- Administer appropriate travel vaccines
- Support malaria prevention planning
- Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required
Antimalarials and altitude medication are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber.
Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with expert Brazil travel vaccinations, yellow fever advice and personalised travel health consultations.
Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.
