Are vaccinations necessary for a European travelling around South America?

Question

If so, which ones and how long before the trip must they be received?

Answer 1

Aye sir. You will need to bring your vaccination certificate specially if you travel to some countries like Brazil or some tropical countries.

Some of the most common are:

Hepatitis A

hepatitis B

Mosquitoes transmitted deceases

Check your travel agent and embassy before traveling.

Answer 2

Yes.  Exactly what vaccinations you need depends on where you expect to go and what you plan to do.  However, you should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B even if you never leave home:

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

Hope you have a great trip!

Answer 3

In some countries there are mandatory vaccinations against Yellow Fever, such us Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Brasil.

Vaccination against Hepat. A and B are also highly recommended, however I suggest you to get all of these. Is not a matter of Politics but a matter of health and avoiding risks.