What vaccines do I need before traveling to Africa?

Answer 1

Routine Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors. Hepatitis B Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). Typhoid Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Southern Africa, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water. Rabies Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians) for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites. Note: Rabies vaccine is temporarily in limited supply. For updates on the rabies vaccine supply, please check the Rabies News and Highlights page regularly.

Answer 2

Typhoid is spread by people infected with the disease through food and drink. It is not a risk in most industrialized countries such as the US, but is still a major risk in most parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. When you travel to Africa you are much more likely to come in contact with the disease and you put yourself at risk if you do not get the vaccination. Typhoid causes high fever, stomach pain, headaches, rashes, so definitely get the vaccine.

Depending on where you will be going (not all Africa is the same) you may also be at risk of other food-borne illnesses. Some of these may also have vaccines, such as Hepatitis A, but some don't. So regardless of whether or not you get the vaccine (which you probably should) you definitely need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Don't drink tap water (or ice made from tap water) and make sure that if you buy a bottle of water the seal has not been broken. Only eat food that has been cooked or peeled.

In any case, I recommend reading the CDC travel information for the country or countries where you will be traveling and speaking with a health care professional about vaccines you should get.

Answer 3

There are no vaccinations required for travels to South Africa besides a Yellow Fever vaccination and certificate if you come from certain African and South American countries were Yellow Fever is prevalent. If during your travels you have stayed or were in transit in a country where Yellow Fever is prevalent, a Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory at arrival in South Africa. Also if you come from a low-risk country such as Zambia or Tanzania, you need to have the certificate or will either be refused entry or be quarantined for six days. Only people who are exempted for medical reasons, such as pregnant women or people allergic to the vaccine can provide a medical exemption certificate.

Answer 4

If you are travelling from a yellow fever area, you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to get into South Africa. Most countries north of South Africa are considered Yellow Fever countries.

Answer 5

definitely, there are some pretty scary illnesses in Africa - even for Africans!

Yellow fever

Cholera

Hepatitis

to name a few - including things like malaria which cannot be inoculated against

Answer 6

You will need different vaccines depending on what area of Africa you are travelling to. Please see the related link for more information.

Answer 7

dont even go to africa if you dont know why are u on wiki answers go to the f in grannny site nhs

Answer 8

The U.S. Center for Disease Control lists this by country. See the related link for specific information on the countries you're interested in.

Answer 9

yeah i guess!