Do I need a vaccine for the Meningitis to go to Peru?

Question

I'm going to Peru, and maybe Bolivia and Chile in April. I've been suggested to do a Meningitis vaccine. Is it recommended ? I come from Europe.

Answer 1

I checked the website from the Travel Clinic (Dutch), (Google Translated to English), there is no vaccination needed for that. (As far as I know, only children get vaccinated for that). Check that website, it has a ton of information on the vaccination subject.

The vaccinations are not that great anyway (in the way that they protect you entirely). Meningitis can be caused by a virus or a bacteria (and a parasite or fungus) and there are over a 100 bacteria/virus strains that can cause it, the vaccinations only protect for a small number of these.

Answer 2

According to CDC you don't. The only destination it's required for is "the meningitis belt", and that's also only seasonal.

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends vaccination against meningococcal disease to people who travel to or reside in countries where N. meningitidis is hyperendemic or epidemic, particularly if contact with the local population will be prolonged. Hyperendemic regions include the meningitis belt of Africa (see Map 3-13) during the dry season (December–June). Advisories for travelers to other countries are issued when epidemics of meningococcal disease caused by vaccine-preventable serogroups are recognized (see the CDC Travelers’ Health website at www.cdc.gov/travel). Note that proof of receipt of quadrivalent vaccination against meningococcal disease is required for people traveling to Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

CDC advisory for Peru does not mention meningitis.