Karli Trujillo
Planning a trip to Africa? It's important to get the right immunisations before you go. The only vaccine that some African countries require is the yellow fever vaccine. However, there are several other recommended shots, including routine vaccinations like MMR, DPT, and polio. It's also a good idea to get immunised against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid, especially if you're going to rural areas. Remember to check with your doctor or a travel clinic to get personalised advice based on your medical history and travel plans.
Immunizations Required to Travel to Africa
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Routine vaccinations | MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), polio |
| Compulsory vaccination | Yellow fever |
| Recommended vaccinations | Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies, Flu, Meningococcal |
| Malaria prevention | Antimalarial medication, insect repellent, mosquito nets |
| COVID-19 requirements | Check with specific countries and airlines |
What You'll Learn
Required and recommended immunizations
The only vaccine that some countries require as mandatory to enter is the yellow fever vaccine. This is the case for many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Mali, Uganda, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and many others. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine is sufficient to grant sustained immunity and life-long protection against the disease. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before entry, and you will receive a yellow vaccination card that you need to show on entry, and often when applying for the visa.
Other vaccines are not mandatory but are strongly recommended. These include:
- Routine vaccinations: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella (chickenpox).
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B: You can get both in the same vaccination. A booster is required every 20 years for Hep A and every 10 years for Hep B. A series of 3 injections is required for immunity.
- Polio: You need one poke as a child and then one as an adult to have lifelong immunity.
- Typhoid: The vaccine comes in two forms, an oral form and an injection. The oral form lasts for 5 years, while the injection requires a booster after only 2 years.
- Rabies: This vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to rural areas and plan on having close contact with animals.
- Meningitis (meningococcal disease): While the overall risk is remote, meningitis outbreaks have occurred in West Africa before.
It is important to consult a doctor or travel clinic specialist well in advance of your trip to discuss any health concerns you might have and determine which vaccines are appropriate for your specific itinerary.
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Routine immunizations
MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) are all included in the MMR vaccine. These diseases have been made rare in many countries due to routine vaccinations but are still prevalent in the developing world.
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus)
Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus are included in the DPT vaccine. It is recommended that all travellers be up to date with the diphtheria toxoid vaccine.
Polio
Polio is transmitted through faecal-oral and oral-oral contact. Travellers to areas with polio should ensure they have completed the recommended age-appropriate polio vaccine series.
TB (Tuberculosis)
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that usually affects the lungs. It is transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Meningitis
Meningitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is recommended for travellers to the "meningitis belt" in sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to these routine vaccinations, it is also important to consider getting boosters for vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria and polio, if you have not had them recently.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and you should consult with your healthcare provider or travel clinic to determine which specific vaccinations are recommended for your travel to Africa.
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Country-specific requirements
South Africa
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended shots: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Namibia
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Botswana
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended shots: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Zimbabwe
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited (>12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended shots: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Mozambique
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited (>12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended shots: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Malawi
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited (>12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Zambia
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited (>12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended shots: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Tanzania
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling from or transited (>12 hours spent) through a yellow fever endemic country.
Recommended vaccinations: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Kenya
Required shots: proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers travelling from a country with a risk of YFV transmission and all those visiting yellow fever-endemic regions of the country.
Recommended: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Uganda
Required vaccinations: yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers and proof is required if travelling from a YFV endemic country.
Recommended shots: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Required vaccinations: proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers.
Recommended: routine vaccinations; hepatitis A; hepatitis B, if going to be exposed to blood/body fluids; typhoid, if travelling in rural areas.
Consider: cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, flu, meningococcal and others.
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Timing and proof of immunizations
The timing of your vaccinations will depend on the specific immunizations you and your doctor decide are necessary for your trip to Africa. Some vaccines require several weeks or months to take effect, while others require multiple doses for full protection. It is recommended that you visit your doctor four to six weeks before travelling to ensure that you are up to date with routine vaccinations.
The yellow fever vaccine, for example, must be administered at least 10 days before entering a yellow fever area. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease and is routinely available from travel clinics. Once you have received the shot, the clinic will issue you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as proof of inoculation. This certificate is required for travel to and from some countries in Africa.
If you are travelling to an underdeveloped or developing country, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a travel clinic up to two months in advance to receive a complete set of immunizations. This will give your body time to produce protective antibodies, ensuring you are well-protected when you arrive at your destination.
Other vaccines that may be recommended or required for travel to Africa include:
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Polio
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Pneumonia
- Chickenpox
- Shingles
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which immunizations are necessary for your specific travel plans and to allow enough time for the vaccinations to take effect.
In addition to the routine vaccinations, it is recommended that you take preventative measures against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya fever. These measures include using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
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Additional health considerations
Before travelling to Africa, it is important to take the necessary health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some additional health considerations to keep in mind:
- Visit your doctor or a travel clinic specialist: Consult a healthcare professional well in advance of your trip to discuss any health concerns and determine which vaccinations and medications you may need. They can provide country-specific advice and recommendations based on your travel plans and medical history.
- Routine vaccinations: Ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis/whooping cough, tetanus), polio, and hepatitis, are up to date.
- Yellow fever vaccination: If you are travelling to a country within the "yellow fever belt", you will need to get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip. This is a compulsory requirement for some countries, and you will need to provide proof of vaccination upon entry.
- Malaria prevention: Malaria is common in many parts of Africa, but it can be easily prevented and treated with antimalarial medication. Consult your doctor about the appropriate medication and follow the prescribed schedule. Take steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and mosquito nets.
- Food and water safety: Only consume well-cooked food and drink bottled beverages, including water. Avoid eating from roadside stands or uncooked foods like salads and raw vegetables. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.
- Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Practise good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water or using hand sanitiser. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Follow respiratory etiquette and consider wearing a mask to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
- Mosquito-borne diseases: In addition to malaria, mosquitoes can transmit other diseases like yellow fever. Take measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is highest. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and sleep under a mosquito net if necessary.
- Animal bites and scratches: Avoid touching or feeding unfamiliar animals. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and clean water immediately and seek medical attention. Rabies is a serious concern, and treatment may not be readily available in some areas.
- Personal safety: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in areas with high crime rates. Avoid walking alone at night, and do not display cash or valuables. Keep your hotel room locked and secure, and store valuables in a safe place.
- Travel insurance: Ensure that you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Confirm that your insurance provider can arrange for evacuation to a major hospital and repatriation to your home country if needed.
- Altitude sickness: Be aware of the risk of altitude sickness in certain parts of Africa, such as Johannesburg. Take the necessary precautions and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
- HIV/AIDS: Take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS, especially in areas with a high prevalence of the disease.
- Mental health: Travelling can be stressful, and it is important to prioritise your mental health. If you have any mental health concerns or conditions, consult a healthcare professional before your trip to develop a plan for managing your mental health while travelling.
- Prescription medications: If you take regular prescription medications, ensure you have enough supply for your trip and bring copies of your prescriptions. Research the regulations around your medications in your destination country, as some medicines may have different legal status or regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
The only compulsory vaccine for some countries in Africa is the yellow fever vaccine. However, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or travel clinic specialist to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. These include:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus)
- Polio
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
It is recommended that you visit a doctor or travel clinic at least four weeks before your trip to ensure that you have enough time to get vaccinated and for the vaccines to take effect. Some vaccines require multiple doses, so you may need to visit the doctor a few times.
The best way to find out which immunizations you need is to consult a doctor or travel clinic specialist. They will be able to provide personalized advice based on your medical history and travel plans. You can also refer to official sources such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Yes, it is important to practice good hygiene and food/water safety during your trip. This includes washing your hands frequently, avoiding crowded places, and only consuming well-cooked food and bottled beverages. It is also recommended that you get a flu shot and take multivitamins or immune boosters before your trip to lower the risk of getting sick.
Yes, the requirements may vary depending on the country you are visiting. For example, meningitis immunization is recommended for travel to many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and some countries in West Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination.
