Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website to obtain the most recent list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccinations are needed (see Resources below). Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers except young children and pregnant women. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas east of the Andes Mountains. Get immunized for typhoid and rabies when there is a chance of exposure to these illnesses. Typhoid vaccinations are definitely recommended when staying at non-major hotels.
Review the status of your routine immunizations. Tetanus is necessary every 10 years. Get the booster for Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR), unless you are pregnant, if you have never received a second vaccination. If you may be exposed to hepatitis B through contact with local residents, you should get this vaccination.
Find out what the current yellow fever and malaria situation is for Ecuador at the World Health Organization website (see Resources below). The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas east of the Andes Mountains. Malaria is a problem throughout the year in areas below 4,921 feet in elevation.
Call your physician at least 2 months prior to your trip to schedule the immunizations at the optimum time before departure. Hepatitis A and other immunizations are administered 1 month before travel and yellow fever 10 days prior to your trip.
Visit your physician at the properly scheduled times for the various vaccinations. Many combination vaccinations are available, such as hepatitis A+B and hepatitis A+typhoid, to reduce the number of pricks. Oral medications are available for typhoid and malaria prevention.
