From the wilds of Patagonia to the rhythms of Buenos Aires, Argentina is a country of contrast and beauty. Whether you’re hiking the Andes, visiting Iguazú Falls, or enjoying urban life, preparing for your health before you travel ensures peace of mind while you explore.
At Walker Street Doctors, we’re here to help you plan wisely and travel well.
Recommended Vaccinations for Argentina
We recommend the following vaccinations for all travellers, tailored to your itinerary and risk factors:
Routine Vaccines
-
Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT booster): Due every 10 years
-
Polio: Essential if your childhood schedule is incomplete
-
Influenza & Pneumococcal: Strongly recommended for those over 65 or with chronic illnesses
Travel-Specific Vaccines
-
Hepatitis A: Recommended for all durations of stay
-
Hepatitis B: Important for all unvaccinated travellers, especially if:
- You may receive medical care
- You’ll have close contact with locals
- You work in healthcare or humanitarian roles
-
Typhoid: Spread through contaminated food and water—recommended for all travellers
- Yellow Fever:
-
Required for travellers over 1 year of age returning to Australia if they’ve stayed overnight in Misiones Province
-
Recommended for all travellers ≥9 months visiting:
-
Northeastern forested areas, including Iguazú Falls
- Misiones Province
- Regions bordering Brazil and Paraguay
-
Rabies: Consider if you’ll be:
- Working with or around animals
- Cycling, trekking, or visiting rural regions
- Spending extended time in communities where rabies is endemic
Insect- and Rodent-Borne Illnesses
Argentina is home to several illnesses transmitted by insects and rodents—particularly in rural, tropical, or forest environments.
Dengue & Chikungunya
- Spread by day- and night-biting mosquitoes
- Cases are on the rise across South America
- Use repellent and mosquito-proof accommodation
Zika Virus
-
Pregnant women should not travel due to the risk of birth defects
- Zika can also be sexually transmitted
- Women trying to conceive should take mosquito precautions and use condoms or abstain if a partner has travelled to a Zika-affected area
Western Equine Encephalitis (WEEV) – March 2024 Alert
- Found in rural Argentina, particularly in horse-raising regions
- Spread by mosquitoes; may cause severe neurological illness
- Prevent bites with repellents, protective clothing, and screens
Andes Virus (Hantavirus) – Chubut Province
- Spread by rodent droppings and nests, and person-to-person
- Avoid areas with visible rodent activity (especially in Patagonia)
- Wash hands frequently and avoid contact with unwell individuals
Chagas Disease & Leishmaniasis
- Chagas: Carried by “kissing bugs” in rustic housing in rural areas
- Leishmaniasis: Found in northern Argentina, particularly in jungle or forested regions
To protect yourself:
- Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
- Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Avoid rural housing with thatched roofs or visible cracks
Altitude Precautions in the Andes
If you're visiting the Andes Mountains:
- Ascend gradually to prevent altitude sickness
- Symptoms include headache, insomnia, nausea, and shortness of breath
- Stay hydrated, avoid overexertion, and rest as needed
- Use SPF 15+ sunscreen—UV exposure is stronger at altitude
Road Safety
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traveller injury:
- Drive and walk defensively
- Avoid night-time travel, particularly in rural areas
- Always wear seatbelts and use child restraints if needed
If You Become Unwell After Travel
Seek medical care immediately if you develop:
- Fever
- Headache
- Neck stiffness or confusion
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Rash or joint pain
Be sure to mention your travel to Argentina and any rural or high-risk areas visited.
Book Ahead for Peace of Mind
Walker Street Doctors offers:
- Personalised travel vaccine planning
- Risk assessments for insect-borne and high-altitude illnesses
- Malaria-free travel kits and repellents
- Medical letters for insurance or border requirements
Book your appointment 2–4 weeks before departure for full protection.
...Book Now...
