Vaccinations for Travel from the UK to Brazil

The Rio Carnival is a once-in-lifetime experience.

The week-long celebration of music, dance and culture is considered to be the world’s biggest party, and draws millions of tourists each year. 

Of course, you want a trip to the Rio Carnival to be unforgettable for all the right reasons, so it is important you are properly vaccinated before flying to Brazil. 

Here’s a guide to the necessary vaccinations for Brazil, as well as other health considerations.

Required and Recommended Vaccinations

If you are travelling to Brazil, vaccine requirements are actually not in place. There are no mandatory vaccines for UK travellers to enter Brazil. However, there are several vaccinations that are highly recommended to prevent infectious diseases. These are:

• Hepatitis A – Spread through contaminated food and water, this vaccine is recommended for all travellers.

• Typhoid – Also transmitted via contaminated food and drink, typhoid is a risk, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

• Tetanus & Diphtheria – Ensure your routine vaccinations, including tetanus, diphtheria, and polio, are up to date.

• Yellow Fever – Although not mandatory for UK travellers, vaccination is strongly advised, particularly if visiting areas with known outbreaks.

  
  

Recommended Vaccines:

• Rabies – Particularly important for those planning to visit remote areas, national parks, or working with animals.

• Hepatitis B – Recommended for long-term travellers or those at risk through medical procedures or close contact with locals.

• Influenza – While the Rio Carnival takes place during Brazil’s summer, flu viruses can still circulate in crowded settings.

Possible Side Effects of Vaccines

Most vaccinations for Brazil have mild and temporary side effects, which should be cleared up before you travel. These include:

• Soreness or redness at the injection site

• Mild fever or fatigue

• Headache or muscle aches (common with yellow fever and typhoid vaccines)

Severe reactions are rare, but it’s to complete a consultation before vaccination.

Disease Hotspots in Brazil

Certain regions in Brazil pose a higher health risk due to disease outbreaks. Some key areas to be cautious of include:

• Amazon Basin – High risk for yellow fever and malaria, requiring extra precautions like mosquito repellents and possible antimalarial medication.

• Northern and Central Brazil – Dengue fever is a concern in these tropical regions, especially during the rainy season.

• Urban Centres (including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo) – Increased risk of food and waterborne illnesses due to large crowds and street food consumption.

  
  

Final Health Tips for Rio Carnival Travel

There is more to travelling to Brazil than vaccine requirements. You should also ensure you:

• Stay hydrated and drink bottled or purified water.

• Use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves in high-risk areas.

• Ensure travel insurance covers medical treatment in case of illness.

• Avoid street food from unhygienic sources to prevent food poisoning.

By taking the right precautions and getting the right vaccinations for Brazil, you can enjoy the electrifying energy of the Rio Carnival without health worries. 

Book your vaccinations to ensure you are fully prepared for a safe and memorable trip.