Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands
Ecuador is a small country located in South America, known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. The country is home to the famous Galápagos Islands, which are a popular tourist destination due to their unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the islands by boat or on foot, and see a variety of animals such as giant tortoises, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. In addition to the Galápagos, Ecuador offers a range of other attractions, including the historic city of Quito, the Amazon rainforest, and the Andes Mountains. With its warm climate, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals, Ecuador is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
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:
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Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.
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Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.
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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.
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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 Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.
Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands Immunization Recommendations and Requirements
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:
To set up an appointment, see our self-scheduling page, call us at (480) 712-8865, or email us.
