Colombia

Find Out What Vaccinations You Need For

Colombia is a vibrant and diverse country that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling cities of Bogotá and Medellín to the stunning beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta, there is something for everyone in Colombia. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, hike through lush rainforests, and sample delicious local cuisine. The people of Colombia are warm and welcoming, and the country is known for its lively music and dance scene. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Colombia is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for an unforgettable experience.

Routine Immunizations

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before traveling. Note that many vaccines that are now considered "routine" were not available until recent decades so you may not have received them at all, depending on your age and other factors. Here are a few specific vaccines we would like to call your attention to:

Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.
Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.
Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis B was not part of the routine immunization schedule in the U.S. until 1995 and hepatitis A did not become a part of routine childhood immunizations until 2006. So if you were born before 2005 you may need one or both of these vaccines. Many people opt for Hep A only because it is commonly spread through food and water, but Hep B spread through blood and other body fluids is essential too--especially if you find yourself in an under-resourced hospital in the developing world.
Polio: There is currently a global outbreak of polio and the U.S. CDC is recommending adults who have been fully immunized as children get a single life-time booster as an adult before traveling to many global destinations. The CDC's list of polio outbreak countries is constantly updating so check the CDC's polio list to see if your destination is on the list.

Infants, 6 to 11 months old should receive one dose of MMR and Hepatitis A prior to visiting Colombia. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.

Colombia Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Chikungunya Vaccine

CDC recommendations

According to the U.S. CDC, the Chikungunya vaccine may be considered for travelers to Colombia who are (a) 65 years old or older--especially with underlying medical conditions, (b) spending at least 2 weeks in areas where mosquitoes are present, or (c) staying in Colombia for 6 months or more.

About Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne illness that causes a bad fever, joint pain, and rash for 97% of humans within 4 to 7 days of exposure.

About the Chikungunya Vaccine

The chikungunya vaccine recently approved by the FDA is called IXCHIQ, manufactured by Valneva. It's a live, attenuated vaccine and is currently the only chikungunya vaccine licensed in the United States. And, it's given as a single 0.5mL intramuscular dose to adults aged 18 years and older.

Malaria Prescriptions

CDC recommendations

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.
Find country-specific information about malaria.

About Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Malaria can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice also occur.

About Malaria Prescriptions

There is no vaccine for malaria available in the U.S. but several medications are available that act to prevent malaria infections when taken regularly, according to their designated schedule. The type of medicine prescribed depends on several factors, including age of patient and travel destination.

Rabies Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

About Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease spread through the bite of rabid animals. The rabies virus infects the brain and spine of mammals, ultimately leading to death. Once the disease is established there is no effective treatment and most people die from it.

About the Rabies Vaccine

A 2-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccine is available. The vaccine provides protection against rabies for up to 3 years.

Typhoid Vaccine

CDC recommendations

The CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine to most travelers who are visiting Colombia. This especially applies to those staying with the locals or visiting smaller towns or rural areas.

About Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, headache, stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhea.

About the Typhoid Vaccine

There are two typhoid vaccines available: a live, oral vaccine that is taken in the form of 4 pills over the course of a week and an injected inactivated vaccine. The vaccines should be taken (started in the case of oral typhoid) at least 2 weeks prior to travel if possible.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in any of these countries.

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the cities of Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, or Medellín. Not recommended for travel limited to areas >2,300 m (≈7,550 ft) elevation, the archipelago department of San Andrés and Providencia, or the city of Bogotá (the capital).

About Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause high fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. It can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), hence the name "yellow fever."

About the Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is a one-time vaccine that confers life-long immunity to yellow fever virus. Many countries in Africa require proof of yellow fever immunity in order to travel. This requires that (a) yellow fever vaccine has been administered at least ten days prior to entry and (b) the international vaccination card has been properly filled out. The yellow fever vaccine is not available for infants under 9 months old. For travelers who are age 60 or over, or immune-compromised, a yellow fever waiver is often sufficient.

Talk to a travel health specialist

At Away Clinic we specialize in getting travelers ready for their trips to the world's most exotic destinations. We would be glad to assist you at the following locations:

Phoenix AZ Clinic

Chandler AZ Clinic

Scottsdale AZ Clinic

To set up an appointment, see our self-scheduling page, call us at (480) 712-8865‬, or email us.