Cannot get yellow fever vaccine - should I still travel to Brazil?

[Anonymous]

Yellow fever vaccine is recommended but not required. Due to an autoimmune issue, doctor emphatically told me I should not get the vaccine as it is a live virus. I have very good mosquito repellent, and plan to avoid scented deodorant, lotions, etc. and wear long pants and long sleeves. Also, we will be in urban areas for most of the trip. However, I am generally a mosquito magnet and am not sure if this is a reasonable risk to take. Anyone with a similar experience? Suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Yes. I go there frequently so I do hear about this.

There hasn't been any outbreak in Brazil for 7 or 8 years and unless you are going to be well out in the wild, there isn't anything to worry about. When I say "out in the wild", I mean places like Acre, the deep Pantanal or Amazon, hiking in Amapa or Roraima and places like that.

Have fun!

Note though that sone countries, like Colombia, require proof of the vaccine if you are entering from Brazil.

[Anonymous]

I think there is a medical certificate you can get showing you’re exempt for medical reasons.

[Anonymous]

Look, if you can’t get the vaccine and you have an autoimmune disease, you need to stay away from places with yellow fever. There are lots of ways to enjoy life without going to places unvaccinated where there are serious diseases.

There might be cities that are safe to go to. I don’t know. But if the issues that you shouldn’t go deep into the jungle or whatever, don’t go deep into the jungle.

[Anonymous]

You don’t have to go to Brazil to get yellow fever. You can get it in San Francisco.