Up-to-date immunizations are vital to prevent disease, especially when living overseas. Below are the current recommendations for adults and children in La Paz.
Adults
Yellow Fever: Required every 10 years.
Vaccination should be avoided by pregnant women and those with severe allergy to
eggs.
Cholera: No longer recommended, but a cholera stamp in your yellow card may be necessary for travel to some countries.
Rabies: Recommend pre-exposure immunization for individuals with an increased risk of being bitten by a rabid animal. Immunization consists of a series of 3 shots. Currently, no boosters are recommended unless an exposure event has occurred.
Typhoid: Either a) initial shot and a booster every 2 years or b) 4 oral capsules repeated every 5 years. Because both vaccines are only 70% effective, those vaccinated should still follow proper precautions when preparing food and water.
Hepatitis A: One shot and a booster in six to twelve months. Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted by person-to-person contact, or by ingestion of contaminated food or water, particularly raw shellfish.
Hepatitis B: Series of 3 shots. No boosters. Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted by blood, contaminated needles and other instruments, and sex.
Tetanus/Diphtheria: Booster every 10 years, or at time of contaminated wound if no booster received within 5 years.
Polio: One booster per lifetime for adults previously immunized with complete series.
Tuberculosis Skin Test: Recommended every year.
Modifications for children coming to or in La Paz:
Rabies: At any age, same as adults.
Typhoid: Give at age 2years. Oral form is not given to
children under 6 years old.
Measles: One dose if between
6-11 months old.
Yellow Fever: At 12 months of age.
MMR: First dose at 12-15 months of age. Repeat at 4-6
years.
Hepatitis A: For children between 2-18 years, 2
doses are given 6-12 months apart.
TB Skin Test:
Start at 12-15 months old, at time of MMR-1, and repeat every year.