As the summer travel season intensifies, health authorities in Chile are reinforcing the importance of vaccination for individuals planning to travel abroad, particularly to regions experiencing outbreaks of preventable infectious diseases such as measles and yellow fever.
According to the Chilean Ministry of Health, immunisation programmes remain one of the most effective public health strategies, not only during childhood but throughout life, especially for travellers exposed to pathogens circulating in other countries. Officials warn that international travel without adequate vaccination increases the risk of importing diseases back into Chile, potentially triggering outbreaks and placing vulnerable populations at risk.
Preventing International Spread Through Immunisation
Regional Health Secretary Gloria Águila Schmeisser, from Chile’s Aysén region, emphasised that individual responsibility plays a crucial role in collective protection. With increased cross-border travel during the summer months, she urged travellers to safeguard their own health while also preventing the reintroduction of infectious diseases upon their return.
Health authorities have pointed out that several diseases previously under control are re-emerging in Latin America and Europe, underscoring the need for updated immunisation. Measles, in particular, has seen a resurgence globally, largely attributed to declining vaccination coverage in some regions.
Key Vaccines Recommended for Travellers
The regional coordinator of Chile’s Immunisation Programme, Sany Ojeda, stressed that many of these diseases are entirely preventable through timely vaccination. She advised travellers to begin health preparations at least two weeks before departure, allowing sufficient time for vaccines to become effective.
Among the priority vaccines recommended for international travellers are:
Measles vaccine, due to a significant rise in cases across the Americas
Yellow fever vaccine, a serious viral disease that can be fatal and remains endemic in certain destinations
Ojeda highlighted the importance of reviewing one’s vaccination history, identifying missing doses, and consulting healthcare professionals regarding destination-specific requirements.
Access to Vaccines in Chile
Sebastián Vargas, acting director of Primary Healthcare Services in the Aysén region, clarified that vaccines included in Chile’s national immunisation schedule, such as the measles vaccine, are available through the public healthcare network as well as private providers.
However, he noted that certain vaccines, including yellow fever, are not routinely offered within the public system and are administered through authorised private centres, often at a cost to the traveller.
Public Health Beyond Borders
Experts consistently underline that vaccination is not solely a personal health decision but a cornerstone of global disease prevention. Scientific evidence published by institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms that high vaccination coverage significantly reduces the spread of infectious diseases and prevents international health emergencies.
Chilean health authorities continue to encourage travellers to seek medical advice before departure, ensuring both individual safety and the protection of public health upon return.