... in response to What to bring, posted by fathertime on Oct 17, 2004I have been to Colombia many times and have never been sick in the slightest. I was never vaccinated. But if you want to be on the safe side, talk to an infectious disease doctor and ask him about recommended meds and vaccinations. But keep in mind that the vaccination itself may make you sick for a while. That is why I chose not to get them.
Another option is to go to www.tripprep.com. Click onto "destinations", and then "Colombia". It will require you to create a username and password but for no fee. It will then give you the recommended vaccinations and meds but it isn't clear cut because it depends on where you are going and your length of stay. Your safest option would be to visit an infectious disease doctor.
This is what tripprep recommends:
VACCINES AND MALARIA
Yellow fever: Vaccination is usually recommended if you’ll be traveling in areas where there is risk of yellow fever transmission.
Status: Infected—Infection reported in these departments or intendencies: Antioquia, Arauca, Boyaca, Caqueta, Casanare, Cesar, Choco, Cucuta, Cundinamarca, Guaviare, Meta, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Santander, Vichada. Endemic—potential for disease transmission exists in areas that may not currently report cases.
Other vaccines: Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, typhoid, or influenza. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria:
Risk is high throughout the year in almost all rural or jungle areas below 2,600 feet (800 meters) especially in municipalities of the regions of Amazonia, Orinoquia, Pacifico, and Uraba-Bajo Cauca. Transmission intensity varies from department to department, with the highest risk in Amazonas, Choco, Cordoba, Guainia, Guaviare, Putumayo, and Vichada. There is no risk in Bogota and vicinity, Cali, Medellin, or the coastal resorts of Cartagena, Baranquilla, and Santa Marta (including offshore islands).
Take evening and nighttime insect precautions in risk areas. Medicines that protect against malaria in this area include mefloquine (Lariam), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone). Primaquine may be used in special circumstances (G6PD testing is required). An alternative medicine is chloroquine/proguanil outside of Amazonia, Pacifico, and Uraba-Bajo Cauca. The best drug for you depends on your itinerary and on a number of personal factors that should be discussed between you and your health care provider.
Because no preventive measure is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.
OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
Insect-borne diseases: Mosquitoes and flies transmit a variety of diseases in this country, including yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are extremely important since insects cannot be avoided.
Food- and water-borne diseases: Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs may be prescribed by your provider.
If you plan to visit altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), your provider may prescribe the sulfa drug acetazolamide, which can prevent or lessen some symptoms of altitude sickness. Visitors with respiratory or cardiac problems should avoid altitudes above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).
