Immunizations
Prior to studying abroad, all students should be sure that their immunizations are up to date. Although no agency requires proof of any immunizations for travel to our host countries, experts strongly recommend that travelers consider taking some precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines:
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies (only for some travelers, consult the CDC website and your physician for more information and personal recommendations)
- Yellow Fever (only for some travelers, consult the CDC website and your physician for more information and personal recommendations)
- Routine vaccines (measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (TDP), varicella (chicken pox), polio, flu shot)
You should consult with your own health care provider to determine which immunizations you should obtain. Some immunizations can take at least 4-6 weeks to take effect, so please see your physician in ample time. If you plan to travel to other countries in South America, be sure to check the CDC’s website to find out if they require immunizations for any of the areas to which you plan to travel. If you think you may be traveling to a country that requires proof of inoculations for entry, you should obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination through the World Health Organization,
We highly encourage students traveling to Argentina and Uruguay to get a yellow fever inoculation, especially those who are planning to visit Brazil or the waterfalls at Iguazú, as there has been an increase of cases over the last several years. Also, students should take extra precautions against mosquito bites (especially when traveling to the Iguazú area), because of the risk of dengue transmission, for which there is no immunization.
Students studying in Argentina: A yellow fever vaccination can be obtained in Buenos Aires at the Hospital Aleman for a fee or at a public immunization center for free. In the latter case, you will need to schedule an appointment in advance.
A special note regarding mosquito-borne illnesses:
Students in Argentina and Uruguay are advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, which can be prevalent during the summer months (December-March). Information about dengue can be found on the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Dengue information website.
