Risk / Health Info for Colombia

What vaccines do I need for Colombia?

If you want to ask, ‘What injections do I need for Colombia?’, talk with a healthcare advisor at Global Travel Clinics. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines will help protect you against two unpleasant GI illnesses during your time in Colombia.

Some travellers going to Colombia should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. This group includes children, frequent and long-stay travellers and those who will be working in a healthcare setting, or any job that will expose them to bodily fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Travellers to Colombia should ask about getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccine. The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

Rabies occurs in Colombia and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs consider getting this vaccine. The rabies vaccine is particularly recommended for children. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Colombia, even if you have been vaccinated.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate to go to Colombia? The answer is yes. The vaccine gives lifelong immunity and your certificate is proof of this. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another yellow fever vaccination.

Is the tap water in Colombia safe to drink?

It is safe to drink tap water in these cities: Bogota, Cali and Medellin.

Are there hospitals in Colombia?

Medical facilities vary enormously, with private facilities in large cities generally better. Make sure you have good travel insurance before you go to Colombia.

The emergency number in Colombia is 123 – but note that remote areas may not be covered by any ambulance service.

Will I be able to get hold of my medications in Colombia?

Most medications are available in large cities; but you may need a prescription from a local doctor to get some controlled drugs.

Protect your health in Colombia

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Colombia, including dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, malaria and yellow fever, particularly in the coastal states and those at low altitude during the rainy season (April to November). Therefore, it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. There is a vaccine for yellow fever, which will further protect you, and anti-malarial pills are available to protect you against malaria.

Chikungunya virus in Colombia

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Colombia. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in Colombia

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Colombia. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Colombia

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Colombia at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Colombia

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Colombia. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Colombia. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.

Altitude in Colombia

Parts of Colombia are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.