Travel Vaccinations for Peru

Altitude (Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca)

High-altitude destinations are a key health consideration in Peru.

Cusco sits at 3,400 metres, Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres and Lake Titicaca at 3,810 metres. Acute mountain sickness is common above 2,500 metres and can affect otherwise healthy travellers.

Preventative advice includes:

• Gradual ascent where possible
  
• Rest on arrival and avoid exertion for 24–48 hours
  
• Avoid alcohol on arrival
  
• Maintain good hydration
  

Warning signs include breathlessness at rest, confusion, loss of coordination and persistent vomiting. These may indicate serious altitude illness requiring urgent descent and medical care.

Acetazolamide may be used for prevention in some travellers and is a prescription-only medicine. We will refer you to an Independent Prescriber where appropriate.

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over visiting jungle regions below 2,300 metres, including the Amazon basin, Iquitos, Puerto Maldonado, Tambopata and Manu.

It is not recommended for Lima, Cusco city, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca or most coastal routes.

A single vaccine dose provides lifelong protection for most travellers, and the certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.

Malaria

Malaria risk is present in Amazon jungle regions below 2,000 metres, including Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martín and parts of Ucayali.

There is no malaria risk in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail above 2,000 metres or Lake Titicaca.

Travellers to risk areas 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.

Rabies

Rabies is present in Peru, particularly in rural and jungle regions.

Pre-exposure vaccination should be considered for longer stays, rural travel, children, animal contact and jungle expeditions.

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 and Zika virus are present in lowland and jungle areas. Strict mosquito bite avoidance is essential both day and night.

Traveller’s diarrhoea, hepatitis A and typhoid are risks where food and water hygiene is poor. Drink sealed bottled or treated water and avoid ice of unknown source.

Sun exposure is intense at altitude, so high-factor sun protection is recommended throughout highland travel.

When to Book

We recommend booking your Peru 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.

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 itinerary and travel health risks
  
• Provide personalised vaccination advice
  
• Administer appropriate travel vaccines
  
• Support malaria and altitude 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 Peru travel vaccinations and personalised travel health consultations.

Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.