When your trip to Africa is booked and confirmed, you’ll likely experience a surge of emotions, ranging from the excitement of anticipating a new adventure to the thrill of fulfilling a dream and, perhaps, a tiny tingle of anxiety about possible health concerns.
The good news is that you are unlikely to have any serious health concerns with sound medical advice from your doctor or a specialist at the travel clinic in Ashtead, up-to-date vaccinations, and good, old-fashioned common sense.
If you have questions about which are the must-have travel vaccinations for Africa, we’ve answered them all here! We hope you find this information and tips for traveling to Africa helpful so you can stay healthy during your Africa adventures!
Travel To Africa with Proper Vaccinations
Routine Vaccinations
Some diseases that are rare in your home country due to routine vaccinations may be far more common in Africa. As such, it’s recommended that you visit your healthcare provider four to six weeks before traveling to Africa to ensure that you are up to date with the following routine vaccinations:
- Flu
- MMR – measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles)
- Polio
- Hepatitis A & B
- DPT – diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow Fever is spread by a species of mosquito that is common in the ‘yellow fever best in Africa. You must have the vaccination at a travel clinic at least 10 days before you plan on entering a yellow fever area. Once you’ve had the shot, the travel clinic will issue you with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (IVCP) that proves you’ve been inoculated.
Malaria prevention
Africa is a high-risk country for contracting Malaria, so it’s important to protect yourself by taking anti-malarial drugs and other measures to prevent being bitten by a mosquito. Currently, there is no vaccine for malaria.
COVID-19 Vaccine
With travel restrictions and COVID-19 protocols easing by the minute, more and more African destinations no longer require fully vaccinated visitors to undergo PCR testing prior to departure or on arrival. Prior to traveling, ensure that you are acquainted with the COVID-19 protocols of the airline you are traveling with.
To get all your travel vaccinations in Ashtead prior to departing for Africa, visit our Miles Pharmacy Travel clinic to get useful travel advice and the required vaccines and medications you need to stay healthy and have a great time on your holiday.