South America Vaccines & Health Tips from Singapore Doctors
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Plan smart and stay protected with vaccine advice and pre-travel health tips from Regis Medical GP Doctors — tailored for Singaporeans heading to South America.
For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific locations, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC. This page provides general guidance on travel vaccines for various countries.
Why Singaporeans Are Exploring South America
From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to the samba rhythms of Brazil and the wild beauty of Patagonia, South America is increasingly attracting Singaporean travellers looking for once-in-a-lifetime adventure, cultural depth, and nature at its most untamed. While more remote than other destinations, South America offers rich rewards for those willing to venture further — whether for trekking, cuisine, wildlife, or bucket-list travel experiences.
Best time to go: Andean countries (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador): May to September (dry season), Brazil and Argentina: March to May or September to November (mild and less crowded), Amazon region: June to October (drier with fewer mosquitoes)
Popular Destinations:
- Peru – Cusco, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley
- Brazil – Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Amazon Rainforest
- Argentina – Buenos Aires, Patagonia
- Chile – Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine
- Colombia – Medellín, Cartagena
- Ecuador – Quito, Galápagos Islands
Popular for: Trekking and high-altitude hiking (e.g., Inca Trail, Andes), Wildlife and nature (Amazon, Galápagos, Pantanal), Cultural heritage sites and colonial towns, Cuisine, coffee, and regional festivals
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to South America
Recommended Vaccines for South America:
- Influenza Vaccine - Especially during April to September.
- Hepatitis A – Highly recommended due to lower hygiene standards in food/water.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - Especially for longer stays or medical/volunteer work.
- Typhoid – Advised for rural travel or street food.
- Malaria Prophylaxis – Highly recommended if travelling to Brazil.
Mandatory Vaccines for South America:
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into several South American countries, including Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and parts of Brazil. Some countries — like Argentina, Paraguay, and Panama — may also require proof of vaccination if you’ve recently travelled to or transited through a yellow fever risk area. An International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) is required for entry.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to South America.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Africa, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | $45 | 3 doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months Booster: at least 2 weeks before travel if previously vaccinated |
| Yellow Fever | N/A | 1 dose At least 10 days before travel ICVP certificate required |
| Malaria | N/A | Requires prescription prophylaxis medication. Start 1–2 days before travel Continue during & after travel |
| Typhoid | $39 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- First-time long-haul travellers
- Students, exchange programme
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For South America’s varied climates and terrain, consider packing:
- Anti-diarrhoea medication (e.g., loperamide, charcoal tablets)
- Oral rehydration salts for dehydration in hot or high-altitude areas
- Altitude sickness medication (if hiking over 2,500 metres)
- Oral rehydration salts (important for hot climates and GI illness)
- Insect repellent with DEET (especially for jungle or river regions)
- Water purification tablets or a filtered water bottle
- Sunscreen and lip balm (UV is strong at high altitudes)
- Motion sickness tablets (for mountain roads or boat rides)
- Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and a basic wound kit
- Malaria prevention medication (if travelling to the Amazon or certain rural zones)
- Keep your Yellow Fever certificate and insurance information on hand, as they may be required at border checks.
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice and unwashed produce
Stick to well-cooked foods and eat at high-turnover stalls or restaurants
Use insect repellent throughout the day and night, especially in jungle or wetland areas
Wear long sleeves and trousers to reduce mosquito exposure
At high altitudes, pace yourself, stay hydrated, and monitor for signs of altitude sickness
Avoid contact with animals, especially stray dogs or wildlife
Use sunscreen even in cooler climates — UV levels are high in the Andes
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Monitor your health closely for up to three weeks after returning. Watch for:
- Fever, chills, muscle aches, or persistent fatigue
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (possible hepatitis)
- Gastrointestinal issues lasting longer than a few days
- Rash, cough, or shortness of breath
If you’ve visited the Amazon, high-altitude zones, or rural areas, consider a post-travel screening. Regis Medical offers same-day malaria, dengue, and gastrointestinal infection testing.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Yellow Fever certificate (if required)
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Anti-malarial medication (if needed)
✅ Insect repellent & sunscreen
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Nearest hospital bookmarked
✅ Emergency contact card prepared
Planning a trip to South America?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
