Travel Immunizations: Required Vaccines For Namibia

what immunizations are required for travel to namibia

Before travelling to Namibia, it is important to ensure that you are up to date with all the necessary immunisations. This includes being fully vaccinated and having had all your COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, a negative COVID-19 PCR test is required for entry to the country. Other recommended vaccinations include those for yellow fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, and meningococcal. It is also important to ensure that routine childhood vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, mumps, and rubella are up to date.

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Yellow fever vaccination requirements

As of July 15, 2016, all travellers to Namibia are required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. This rule applies to citizens and non-citizens over one year of age if:

  • Travelling from a yellow fever risk country
  • You have transited a yellow fever risk country
  • Disinfection methods were used on aircraft, ships, car wheels, and other modes of transportation coming from yellow fever risk countries

If you are unable to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate at the port of entry, the Namibian customs and/or health officer will quarantine you until the certificate becomes valid. Those with an exemption certificate due to medical reasons will be allowed entry but must report any fever or other symptoms to health authorities.

The yellow fever vaccination is one of many recommended and required immunizations for Namibia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Namibia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

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Malaria prevention

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. While you cannot be vaccinated against malaria, there are several precautions you can take to prevent infection.

Malaria is most common in Kavango, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi. Cases are rare outside these regions. The CDC recommends that travellers going to certain areas of Namibia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Consult a travel health specialist to determine which antimalarial medication is best for your itinerary and health situation.

To prevent mosquito bites, cover your skin with long sleeves and trousers, especially after sunset, and use insect repellents on exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. The CDC recommends using a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours. Products containing picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD) can also help prevent mosquito bites.

If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever, seek medical attention promptly. Remember that malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure. If you are travelling to a remote area far from medical facilities, consider carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria.

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Food and water safety

  • Water Safety: Tap water is generally safe to drink in Namibia's major towns and cities, including Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Walvis Bay. However, it is recommended that you buy purified water or carry a water purifier to ensure access to clean drinking water, especially when travelling to remote areas or those with limited infrastructure. Remember to avoid drinking unpurified water, and consider investing in a water purifier to make the process more convenient and environmentally friendly.
  • Food Safety: When it comes to food, there are several precautions to take:
  • Choose reputable eateries and restaurants that maintain good hygiene and food safety practices.
  • Be cautious with ice, as it may be made from contaminated water.
  • Practise good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, especially before eating.
  • Avoid street food and undercooked meat, as they may increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
  • Carry a traveller's diarrhea kit as a precaution, which is recommended for travel to all regions.
  • General Precautions: In addition to the specific water and food safety measures, here are some general tips for a healthy trip:
  • Stay up to date with your routine vaccinations, including those for typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio, which are particularly relevant for food and water safety.
  • Consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic for specific advice and vaccinations based on your travel plans and medical history.
  • Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitiser to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading illnesses.
  • Avoid consuming food or drinks from street vendors or unregulated sources.
  • If you have special dietary requirements, ensure you clearly communicate your needs to your hosts or servers.

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Avoiding bug bites

When travelling to Namibia, it's important to take precautions against bug bites, as bugs such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas can spread diseases including malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. While some of these diseases can be prevented with vaccines or medication, many cannot, so it's crucial to take steps to avoid getting bitten. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid bug bites:

  • Choose the right clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats to cover your skin. Opt for loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from thin fabric in hot climates.
  • Use insect repellent: Apply a good quality repellent with DEET, picaridin, or OLE to all exposed skin. When using sunscreen, apply the repellent afterward. Reapply regularly, especially if you sweat or swim, and be careful around your face and eyes.
  • Treat clothing and gear: Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, or treat them yourself. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels insects and can provide protection even after multiple washings.
  • Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms: Choose accommodation with proper screens on windows and doors, or opt for air-conditioned rooms.
  • Use a mosquito net: If you're sleeping in an area exposed to the outdoors, use a mosquito net, preferably one that has been treated with insecticide.
  • Reduce mosquitoes in and around your accommodation: Keep windows and doors closed, use insecticide sprays or plug-ins, and remove any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Be vigilant: Check your body and clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Shower soon after outdoor activities to reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases.
  • Take extra precautions with children: Dress children in long sleeves and pants, and cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting. Use insect repellent on children carefully, avoiding their hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, and irritated skin.
  • Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn: This is when mosquitoes and other insects are most active. If you must be outdoors, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent.
  • Be aware of high-risk activities: Activities such as hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms or forested areas increase your risk of bug bites. Take extra precautions during these activities.
  • Seek medical attention if bitten: If you are bitten by mosquitoes, avoid scratching and apply anti-itch cream to relieve the itching. For tick bites, remove the tick as soon as possible and clean the bite area. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.

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Medical facilities

There are good medical facilities in Windhoek, Namibia's capital city. However, it is important to note that private hospitals may insist on payment before starting treatment, even if you have comprehensive travel insurance. They may ask you to pay and then reclaim the money from your insurer. Some travel insurance policies are not recognised by Namibian hospitals, so it is crucial to check if your insurance is accepted in Namibia before travelling and to arrange alternative coverage if necessary.

The following is a list of medical facilities in Namibia, with English-speaking staff, provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO):

  • Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, Windhoek: Medical, surgical, heart catheterisation, open-heart surgery, ENT, urology, ICU, ER, infertility, and neurology services.
  • Mediclinic - Windhoek: Acute care services in various disciplines, including medical, general surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, orthopaedic surgery, gynaecology, and obstetrics.
  • Rhino Park Private Hospital, Windhoek: Outpatient department, paediatric, general, neonatal/adult ICU, day ward for day theatre procedures, a gastro-enterology procedure room, three theatres, and a maternity theatre.
  • Roman Catholic Hospital, Windhoek: Medical, surgical, heart catheterisation, open-heart surgery, ENT, urology, ICU, and ER services.
  • Windhoek Central Hospital, Windhoek: General hospital with cardiac, maternity, ICU, and chemotherapy services. Affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
  • Ongwediva Business Park, Ongwediva: General hospital with casualty, occupational therapy, neonatal and paediatrics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, and plastic surgery services.
  • Swakopmund: Two theatres, ICU, neonatal ICU, surgical, medical, paediatric, and maternity wards. Payment or relevant travel insurance is required if affiliated with a South African company.
  • Walvis Bay: General hospital with casualty, theatre, medical, surgical, maternity, paediatric, and radiology wards. Payment for treatment or relevant travel insurance is required.

The FCDO also provides a list of medical providers in Namibia, where some staff speak English.

Frequently asked questions

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is also required for travellers who have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Namibia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

For more information on immunizations for travel to Namibia, you can refer to the CDC's Traveler's Health Information Page for Namibia, which includes recommended vaccinations and a healthy travel packing list. You can also consult a travel health professional or your doctor to determine which vaccines and medications you may need.

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