VACCINATION INFORMATION FOR PERU
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for travel to Peru. It is recommended that you obtain these vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect. Be sure to bring your immunization record to your first appointment. All vaccinations should be recorded on an International Health Certificate (available from your doctor or government health department), and participants should bring the card with them.For more information on staying healthy contact the CDC WEBPAGE
1. TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA, spread by contact with contaminated dirt. These potentially fatal diseases are found in undeveloped tropical areas and are difficult to treat. The tetanus vaccination is particularly important because Tetanus is contracted by exposure of cuts to dirt. Minor cuts are a common occurrence during archaeological excavations, and, of course, archaeological excavations involve exposure to dirt.
2. HEPATITIS A or immune globulin (IG), spread by contaminated food, water, and food handlers who do not wash hands well. This is a very common problem among travelers in the third world. With good water and adequate sewage disposal in most industrialized countries since the 1940s, very few young adults have any natural immunity and should be protected. Protection is through a new vaccine Havrix or the antibody gamma globulin.
3. HEPATITIS B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment.
4. TYPHOID, spread by contaminated food or water, particularly if you plan to visit rural areas or stay longer than 6 weeks. Although the vaccination is not totally effective, it is one of the most dangerous infections, so every available precaution should be taken.
5. YELLOW FEVER, you will need this only if you are traveling to the Amazon basin before or after the field school. There is no medical treatment for this disease other than bed rest, keeping the fever down, and avoiding dehydration. This disease is generally not found on the coast of Peru; however, if you are planning on traveling to the Amazon basin in Peru, this vaccination is important.
Non-UNC-CH Students
Contact your local student health services or your private doctor. If your private doctor does not have the following vaccinations on hand, they may be able refer you to local travel clinics. Your local study abroad programs may also be a good resource on travel clinics in your area.
On Campus for UNC Students Resource:
These vaccines are available at the Internationa Travel Clinic here at Student Health. A travel consultation costs $25 and is required before receiving these vaccines.
Off Campus Resources:
Another health office specializing in travel/immunizations is Concentra Medical Center, 5400 S. Miami Blvd., about ¼ mile south off I-40 in the Research Triangle area, exit Miami Blvd. A visit fee costs $10. Contact Darlene Hill, Coordinator of Travel at (919) 941-1911, extension 870 OR call 800-633-5467 for information, advice and appointments.You can also go to your own doctor for advice and immunizations. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of immunizations.