health-services

The health standards of Brazil are considered the highest in South America. Brazil has excellent health facilities with well established infrastructure. There are both public and private hospitals which operate 24 hours, 7 days a week making medical assistance for both emergencies and general health readily available.

Brazil has many pharmacies. These pharmacies are well stocked with prescription and over the counter medications. (Take note that some medications which may require a prescription for in the Europe in the UK may not need one in Brazil).

Some things to be mindful of are the heat. Drink plenty of water (in the larger cities tap water is safe, however err on the side of caution when travelling to the smaller places and stick to bottle water. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, and wearing ample amounts of sunscreen. You don’t want to be burnt by Brazil’s strong shining sun.

Vaccinations

Proof of vaccination against polio is compulsory for children aged between three months and six years (for example, the vaccination booklet from the local clinic or a letter from the GP).

An international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for travellers who within three months prior to their arrival in Brazil, have visited or been in transit through any of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic,Chad, Colombia, Congo (Republic of), Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Kenia, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Venezuela.

Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for all travellers when visiting the following states of Brazil: Acre, Amazonas, Amapá, Distrito Federal, Goiás, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins.

Please note that yellow fever vaccinations take approximately 10 days to become effective.