travel vaccinations for africa

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Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

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International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States. Find out which travel vaccines you may need to help you stay healthy on your trip.

Before Travel

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Because some vaccines require multiple doses, it’s best to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

Medicines to prevent malaria are pills that you start to take before travel. Take recommended medicines as directed. If your health care provider prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. 

Where can I get travel vaccines?

You may be able to get some travel vaccines from your primary healthcare provider. If you or your healthcare provider need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit CDC’s Find a Clinic page.

If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you’ll need to go to a vaccine center authorized to give yellow fever vaccinations. Many yellow fever vaccine centers also provide other pre-travel health care services. Find an  authorized US yellow fever vaccine center .

Examples of Vaccines

Here is a list of possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel.

Cholera
Flu (Influenza)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Japanese encephalitis
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Meningococcal
Pneumococcal
Polio
Rabies
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Typhoid
Yellow fever

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Travel Vaccine Summary Table

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Including a visit to your local travel doctor before you go to Africa will help ensure you protect your health while you are away and increase the chances of coming home healthy.

If you are travelling to African countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan and other African countries the following vaccinations are generally recommended;

It is a good idea to ensure you are up to date with all the common childhood vaccinations before visiting an African country (you may even need a booster). This includes immunisations for Tetanus and Diphtheriaand Diphtheria , Whooping cough (Pertussis), polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) .

Hepatitis A (also called Hep A or HAV) is typically transmitted through contaminated food or very close personal contact with an infected person. Water-borne outbreaks can happen in under-developed or developing countries. The full two-dose Hep A vaccine is strongly recommended when visiting under-developed or developing countries and other precautions for hygiene and food safety should be taken.

Some African countries won’t let you enter without the required vaccinations. The most common vaccination required on entry into African countries is Yellow Fever vaccination . Your Travel Doctor will be able to recommend when vaccinations form part of your destination country’s entry requirements.
A Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory if you are returning to Australia from Uganda and a vaccination certificate from an approved travel vaccination centre will be required upon re-entry. Yellow Fever mainly spreads from the bite of infected mosquitoes. We strongly advise travellers to vaccinate against Yellow Fever. The Yellow Fever vaccination is not compatible with some vaccinations so we recommend you seek travel vaccination advise well before the departure. Please note that the Yellow Fever Vaccination is a mandatory vaccination when travelling to some African countries.
Typhoid Fever is caused by bacteria (from the Bacteria Salmonella group) found in contaminated food and water. Food is commonly contaminated by the hands of carriers and examples of food that could be contaminated are ice, shell-fish from sewerage contaminated water, raw fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products. Typhoid fever occurs worldwide but is more common in developing countries. We strongly recommend protecting yourself by getting the Typhoid Vaccine if you are travelling to a developing country.
Depending on the destination, purpose and length of your trip a Rabies vaccination may be recommended. Rabies is typically transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. If you are intending to work on farms or work with other animals, we strongly advise you to have the prophylactic anti-Rabies vaccination. As this vaccination involves a series of three vaccinations it is recommended you plan ahead for it.
Meningitis can be viral, fungal or bacterial in nature. Meningitis is caused when the protective membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord become swollen and inflamed. Symptoms can be similar to those of the common flu. The different types of Meningitis differ in severity and the most serious bacterial form of Meningitis is Meningococcal Meningitis. Meningococcal Meningitis can be fatal. It is transmitted from person to person by direct contact and / through coughing and sneezing. Mencevax can protect you against this form of Meningitis.

The above vaccinations are recommendations only. See your travel doctor to get health and vaccination recommendations based on your overall health, age and your travel itinerary. Book your appointment online with the International Travel Vaccination Clinic well in advance of your trip because some vaccines may require a long period to take effect and more than one dose may be required.

OTHER HEALTH RISKS FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Other health risks when travelling in Africa may be:

Cholera is common in developing countries and is associated with poverty and poor sanitation. Cholera is a severe infectious diarrhoeal disease, caused by the Vibrio cholera bacteria. Untreated, Cholera can result in rapid dehydration and death. Cholera is most commonly spread through the ingestion of food and water that is contaminated by infected human faeces. The risk of getting Cholera can be significantly minimised by following proper sanitary practices and by following the rules of eating and drinking

Depending on your destination and how long you are travelling for, Malaria medications may be recommended. Malaria prevention is based on two defences:
Oral prophylaxis medication
Personal protection against mosquitos.

It is best to consult your travel doctor for advice on the best Malaria medication based on your trip as Malaria is widespread and some strains of Malaria are chloroquine resistant.

African Sleeping Sickness
Bilharzia , also called ‘snail sickness’ or Schistosomiasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted by contact with contaminated fresh water (lakes, ponds, rivers and dams) which is inhabited by snails infected with one of five varieties of the parasite Schistosoma. You risk contracting the disease by swimming, bathing, fishing and washing your clothes in contaminated water. To avoid infection:
Avoid swimming or bathing in fresh water. The ocean or chlorinated water should be safe. Water held in a water tank for longer than a day should be safe.
Boil your bathing water for more than a minute and then allow to cool before bathing to avoid scalding.
Drink safe water .

If you have had contact with contaminated water overseas see your health practitioner on your return for testing and treatment if required.

Remember, cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or waterless, alcohol-based hand rubs removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission.

See more Travel Health Advice .

The health-related information and vaccination recommendations on this website are general in nature. Your exact medication, immunisation or travel vaccination needs will vary depending on your personal medical history, vaccination history, current outbreaks and your travel itinerary / destinations. The information here should not replace a personal visit to a travel doctor to get up to date and individualised advice for your trip.

Rabies is characteristically transmitted by the bite or scratch from rabid infected animals.

People who are intending to work in farms and work with other animals are strongly advised to have this prophylactic anti-rabies vaccination. As this vaccination involves a series of three vaccinations it is recommended to plan ahead for this vaccination.

More information

Meningitis is caused by a number of bacteria and virus. Meningococcal meningitis is one of the most serious bacterial diseases and can be fatal. The disease is transmitted from person to person by direct contact and respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing). Mencevax can protect you against this form of disease.

Meningitis Vaccinations

Meningococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitis, also called meningococcus. About 10% of people have this type of bacteria in the back of their nose and throat with no signs or symptoms of disease, they are ' carriers'. of the disease following low grade infection A common outcome of meningococcal infection is meningitis, When caused by Neisseria meningitis bacteria it is known as meningococcal meningitis. If not diagnosed properly and appropriate immediate treatment implemented, the disease rapidly become fatal.

Transmission

Neisseria meningitis bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit ,cough, Kissing and sharing the drinks. The bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningococcal disease has been. Sometimes Neisseria meningitis bacteria spread to people who have had close or lengthy contact with a patient with meningococcal disease example people live in the same household, roommates, or anyone with direct contact with a patient's oral secretions, meaning saliva or spit, (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend) would be considered at increased risk of getting the infection.

Signs and symptoms

When someone has meningococcal meningitis, the protective membranes covering their brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges, become infected and swell. The symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as o Nausea o Vomiting o Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) o Altered mental status (confusion) The symptoms of meningococcal meningitis can appear quickly or over several days. Typically they develop within 3-7 days after exposure. In newborns and infants, the classic symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be absent or difficult to notice. The infant may appear to be slow or inactive, irritable, vomiting or feeding poorly.

Taking appropriate precaution to avoid contact of body secretion from the infected person is paramount importance.

Wash hand frequently
Keep the fomites separately

Vaccination

Vaccination best chance of protection against meningococcal meningitis, more so to the Traveller's travelling to densely populated countries like India, Brazil, South East Asia and Mexico. Central Africa and west Africa consider to be Meningococcal belt , vaccination paramount importance. People travelling to congregation like carnival in Brazil , Kumba Mela in India And more importantly people travelling to Mecca for Hajj time, meningococcal vaccine with ACWY strain is compulsory and have to carry an appropriate documentation with them. Traveller travelling to the above places should be aware of taking appropriate strain of meningococcal vaccine. Meningococcal C strain is only good for Australia. Traveller should take meningococcal ACWY strain containing vaccine

Travelers to Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam are advised to follow standard health recommendations for that region and, as a precaution, avoid places such as poultry farms and bird markets where live poultry are raised or kept, and avoid contact with sick or dead poultry.

As with other infectious illnesses, one of the most important and appropriate preventive practices is careful and frequent hand washing.

Cleaning your hands often using either soap and water or waterless, alcohol-based hand rubs removes potentially infectious materials from your skin and helps prevent disease transmission

Yellow fever

Yellow fever mainly spreads from the bite of infected mosquitoes. Travelers are strongly advised to vaccinate against this disease and a vaccination certificate from the approved centre is essential to re-enter the country. As this vaccination cannot be given with some vaccinations, it is best to seek travel vaccination advise well before the departure.

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Stay Healthy During Your Trip to Africa With the Right Vaccines

June 17, 2019

It sounds so exciting. A safari in Africa … rafting down the Nile … shopping in Nairobi. But amid the excitement of trip preparations, be sure to think about taking the necessary precautions to stay healthy and well while traveling.

“Many of our patients who visit Africa are afraid of getting sick,” says Keith Armitage, MD , Medical Director of University Hospitals Roe Green Center for Travel Medicine .

“With appropriate medical precautions -- which includes vaccinations as well as prevention against malaria and illness from food and water -- travel to Africa is relatively safe and remarkably enjoyable,” he says.

Tips for Travel to Africa

All travelers to Africa require the hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine, and many destinations require the yellow fever vaccine.

Equally important is to protect against mosquitoes using insect repellent with DEET.

In addition, travelers should only drink beverages that are bottled and only eat fruits and vegetables that are cooked.

And, of course, wearing a seat belt while in a motor vehicle, drinking plenty of water, and protecting yourself against the sun also is critical.

Where to Get the Yellow Fever Vaccine

Certain destinations within Africa, such as Ghana, require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter.

Yellow fever vaccination is often required for entry to other countries in Africa and other continents once you have been in an African country listed as having yellow fever, including India, Brazil, Kenya, Peru, and Tanzania.

Travel to South Africa does not require the vaccine.

Limited vaccine supply of the yellow fever vaccine throughout the United States requires advanced planning. It is recommended the vaccine be given 4-6 weeks before your trip.

Get Vaccinated Before You Travel

It’s important to plan ahead to get the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit.

Protect your child and family when traveling in the United States or abroad by:

Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip
Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines
Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family’s travel plans

Avoid getting sick or coming back home and spreading the disease to others.

Vaccinate at least a month before you travel

See your doctor when you start to plan your trip abroad. It’s important to do this well in advance.

Your body needs time to build up immunity.
You may need several weeks to get all the doses of the vaccine.
Your primary doctor may not stock travel vaccines. Visit a travel medical clinic .
You’ll need time to prepare for your pre-travel appointment .
If the country you visit requires a yellow fever vaccine , only a limited number of clinics have the vaccine and will probably be some distance from where you live. You must get it at least 10 days before travel.

Find out which vaccines are recommended or required for the countries you plan to visit .

TIP : Save time by getting routine vaccines during the same doctor visit. Use the Vaccine Self-Assessment Tool and discuss the results with your doctor. It tells you which U.S. recommended vaccines you (19 years and older) or your child (birth – 18 years) might need.

Last-minute travelers

When traveling to another country be aware your doctor may not carry a travel vaccine and you may have to visit a medical clinic.

Many travel vaccines require multiple shots or take time to become fully effective. But some multiple-dose vaccines (like hepatitis A) can still give you partial protection after just one dose. Some can also be given on an “accelerated schedule,” meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time.

Discover and learn about specific diseases that can affect you while traveling
What to do if you get sick after traveling
Vaccines & Immunizations

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.