Expert: Edison - 8/6/2006

Question
im in sao paulo right now.  im a U.S. citizen from new york and am planning ot go to the amazon.  Before i left i was informed i didnt need any shots to go, but now brazilians ar etelling me its mandatory for them to get a shot when going into the amazon.  Do you know an answer or anybody i could ask to get one?   thank you soo much abrigada

Answer
Chimay,

According to the US Brazilian Embassy web site, the yellow fever shot is recommended but not required. However, for your safety, I would take the shot at least 10 days before going to Amazon.

The vaccine is available on any "postos de saúde"(public health clinics) and major airports (ask for "Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária") in Brazil.

Check these sites for more:
http://www.braziltourism.org/visas.html
http://www.passporthealthtampa.com/NewsletterArticles/June06/shot_vacation.html http://www.amazon-rainforest.org/tips-from-locals.html
http://www.brazil-travel-guide.com/Brazil-Visa.html
http://www.sespa.pa.gov.br/Educa%C3%A7%C3%A3o/famarela01.htm  (in Portuguese)

Have fun!

Edison