Traveling To Egypt? Vaccinations You Need To Know About

Before travelling to Egypt, it is important to consult the latest government guidance and health advice. While the Egyptian government has not made any vaccines mandatory for most travellers, some vaccines are recommended. The CDC recommends that travellers consult a healthcare provider at least a month before departure to discuss necessary vaccines and medicines.

For those travelling to Egypt from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, proof of immunisation is required.

The following vaccines are recommended for most travellers:

- Hepatitis A

- Hepatitis B

- Typhoid

- COVID-19

- Polio

- Rabies

- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Hepatitis A

When travelling to Egypt, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against hepatitis A. This is because the risk of infection is higher in countries where there is a high prevalence of the hepatitis A virus in the local population, and in areas with poor personal hygiene and sanitation. Hepatitis A is spread by consuming contaminated food and drinks or by touching infected surfaces or people and then touching your mouth.

The hepatitis A vaccine is safe and effective in preventing this disease. It is recommended for all unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old going to Egypt. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated, although this dose does not count towards the routine 2-dose series. Unvaccinated travellers over 40 years old, or those who are immunocompromised or have chronic medical conditions, should receive the initial dose of the vaccine and immune globulin at the same appointment.

In addition to vaccination, practising good hygiene and food safety can help reduce the risk of hepatitis A infection. This includes regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using the bathroom, and maintaining proper sanitation and food handling practices.

Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and can provide a lifetime of protection against the virus. It is recommended for all infants at birth and for children up to 18 years of age. The vaccine is also recommended for adults living with diabetes and those at high risk for infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, living situations, or country of birth. Since everyone is at some risk of contracting Hepatitis B during their lifetime, all adults should consider getting the vaccine.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the Hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, children up to 18 years of age, and all adults at higher risk for infection. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for unvaccinated children under 19, adults 19-59, and adults 60 and older with risk factors for infection. Adults 60 and older without known risk factors may also receive the vaccine.

The Hepatitis B vaccine is available at doctors' offices, local health departments, or clinics. All doses of the vaccine are required to be fully protected against the virus. In the case of infants born to infected mothers, the first dose of the vaccine must be administered in the delivery room or within the first 12 hours of life. The second shot is due at least one month after the first, and the third shot is due at least four months after the first and two months after the second. Infants should be a minimum of 24 weeks old at the time of the third shot.

Typhoid

The risk of contracting typhoid is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and children are at the highest risk of infection. As of 2019, there were an estimated 9 million cases of typhoid annually, resulting in about 110,000 deaths per year.

Symptoms of typhoid include prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Some patients may also experience a rash. Severe cases can lead to serious complications or even death.

The typhoid vaccine is recommended for travellers to Egypt. The vaccine is available as a shot that lasts 2 years or an oral vaccine that lasts 5 years. The oral vaccine must be kept refrigerated and the patient must be able to swallow pills.

To reduce the risk of contracting typhoid, travellers should practice proper hygiene and safe food handling. This includes ensuring food is properly cooked and still hot when served, avoiding raw milk and products made from raw milk, drinking only pasteurised or boiled milk, and avoiding ice unless it is made from safe water.

When the safety of drinking water is questionable, it is recommended to boil it or, if this is not possible, to disinfect it with a reliable disinfectant agent. It is also important to wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after contact with pets or farm animals, and to wash fruits and vegetables carefully, peeling them whenever possible.

Yellow Fever

The yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides lifelong protection. It is the best way to prevent infection and is recommended for anyone over 9 months of age travelling to an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission. The vaccine contains a live, weakened form of the virus and is usually administered as a single dose. Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, and mild fever. Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions and neurological problems.

In addition to vaccination, travellers can protect themselves from yellow fever by avoiding mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms.

Rabies

If you are travelling to Egypt, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for rabies, especially if you are planning a long-term stay or expect to come into contact with animals. The rabies vaccine is critical for protection and is available for pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis. However, if you are exposed to rabies while in Egypt, vaccines may only be available in larger suburban or urban medical facilities. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before your trip.

In addition to vaccination, there are several precautions you can take to minimise the risk of rabies exposure. These include:

• Avoiding contact with all animals, including wild, feral, and domestic animals.
• Staying away from stray dogs and cats, which are commonly found in urban and tourist areas.
• Not touching or feeding any animals you do not know.
• Preventing animals from licking open wounds and keeping them from getting their saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Keeping pets closely supervised and avoiding contact with local animals.

Furthermore, rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, it is crucial to immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions