Last minute vaccination panic

el flaco says on Dec 14, 2006, 03:11:

I'm no doctor but I understand that yellow fever is valid for life even though officially it is only for ten years.

I wouldn't worry too much about malaria or yellow fever for where you are going. There was a notice at the entrance to Parque Tayrona (Santa Marta)advising you to have yellow fever immunisation. None of the locals bother with malaria and none seem to get it.

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larumberainglesa says on Dec 14, 2006, 03:21:

that's what I think too - I suppose the doctor just made me feel I was jeapordising my son's health when the reality is I am the one with the experience of being there - he just looks up medical data in a booklet. I would love to go back to Tayrona but will not put my son in any danger by doing this. The other thing is the yellow fever jab costs £40 and I need all my dosh for the holiday!

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el flaco says on Dec 14, 2006, 03:40:

Get it done in Colombia before you leave, got to be cheaper.

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larumberainglesa says on Dec 14, 2006, 03:50:

Will do

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pedro says on Dec 14, 2006, 05:10:

Yellow Fever vax The Yellow Fever vaccination requires about 10 days to take effect. So you will get your card to show at passport checks etc, but may not actually be protected if it's a short holiday.

Only some areas of Colombia are malarial, in general the big cities are fine.

que nota!

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Lostgringo says on Dec 14, 2006, 05:22:

Yellow Fever I had mine done in Bogota. I think it cost around $25 USD. As mentioned above I don't think it is necessary in the bigger cities. I only got mine because I was travelling to Panama.


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larumberainglesa says on Dec 14, 2006, 05:50:

Has anyone EVER been asked for proof of a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arriving at Bogota airport?? I never have but now I am wondering......

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Azul says on Dec 14, 2006, 06:35:

Yellow Fever is NOT required for travelers entering Colombia. It is only required if you have been to another country where Yellow Fever is prevelant prior to your entry into Colombia. Most doctors here in the US, and probably the UK also, over react when giving vaccinations for South America. Yellow Fever and Malaria are only a concern in certain areas and at certain altitutes. If you are sticking to the major cities, especially on the coast, I would not get either one! That being said, if you venture out into any rural areas I would bring my mosquito repelant just in case.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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ColombiaBoard says on Dec 14, 2006, 10:07:

Vaccines Yellow fever and Malaria is a concern only if you plan to enter the Tayrona National Park or travel to some jungle areas.

Otherwise it's not really a problem in Colombia. For peace of mind have your son vaccinated before you leave.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 14, 2006, 10:21:

Maleria The side effects of the malaria meds are very risky and the actual exposure to malaria where you're going is almost nil. If you want to go to Tayrona and the timing works you could get the YF vaccine upon arrival in Bogota or Cartagena (the Red Cross dispenses it in malls and I think there's a place to get it in the airport, too) and still go to Tayrona.

Doctors in the UK and US totally overreact to the threat of "tropical disease" whenever a patient is travelling.

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Dec 14, 2006, 10:31:

What would you recommend for the pasty Gringo in Bogota who decides he/she wants to go to "terra caliente" for a weekend or a few days? Not the coast, someplace like Melgar or Giradot. Does this type of traveler need to be worried about malaria, dengue or yellow fever?

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Boatygringo says on Dec 14, 2006, 11:14:

Yellow Fever In Cartagena you can get a free Yellow Fever shot at the health department clinic located in Old Town.Boatygringo

Boatygringo

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Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 14, 2006, 13:48:

Tinto You don't need to worry about any of those diseases in Melgar or Giradot, though they do have some MEAN jejenes (no-see-ums) in Giradot.

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larumberainglesa says on Dec 15, 2006, 03:04:

Thanks all Am not going to bother with either after all. No time now anyway! Flying tonight!!

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getting better says on Dec 15, 2006, 10:39:

Malarial tablets I have been in several malarial areas and not taken tablets. It is a difficult decision and you must make your own choice. But I think the most important thing is to use insect repellect, and to be aware of the symptoms so you can diagnose yourself. Particularly with a child you should at least be aware of the symptons.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Dec 15, 2006, 10:52:

Larium I have a relative who had REALLY bad side effects from Larium (one of the main anti-malarials) which made her have paranoid delusions and left her really shattered for about 6 months after she went off the pills. Some people have similar side effects and never get better.

I've had malaria, and can testify that it was no fun, but given what my relative went through I'd rather risk the disease again than losing my sanity for 6 months. Especially given that the malaria in South America is the more mild variety, not the cerebral malaria you so frequently see in Africa.

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