The Vaccinations You Require for a Holiday in Africa

Planning a holiday in Africa is an exciting prospect. With its vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse cultures, it’s a continent that offers incredible experiences. However, with so much geographic variety across Africa, the health risks also vary greatly depending on your destination. Understanding what vaccinations and medications you may require will ensure you can travel safely and make the most of your African adventure.

Assessing Your Risk

Africa is home to a range of infectious diseases that you’re unlikely to encounter in the UK. The specific vaccinations you need will depend on:

  • Which countries and regions you’ll be visiting.
  • How long you’re travelling for.
  • What time of year you’ll be there.
  • Whether you’ll be spending time in remote rural areas or just popular tourist destinations.
  • Your standard of accommodation.

Even if you’re just visiting one country, seek advice tailored to your specific itinerary. Oxford Travel Vaccination Centre: Your Trusted Partner for Travel Vaccines and Health Advice has a team of travel health experts to provide personalised recommendations based on where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Common Vaccines for Africa

While your requirements will depend on your personal itinerary, there are some vaccinations that are routinely recommended across much of Africa:

Hepatitis A

This virus spreads through contaminated food and water and can cause liver disease. Vaccination provides long-term immunity, so is recommended for most travellers to Africa.

Typhoid

Also contracted through contaminated food and water. While not as common as Hepatitis A, typhoid risk is heightened in Africa so vaccination is recommended.

Yellow Fever

Transmitted by mosquitos, yellow fever can cause severe illness and is deadly in 20-50% of cases. Vaccination is required for entry to many African countries. Ensure you receive certification valid for travel.

Rabies

Rabies is present throughout Africa, usually spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination does not provide immunity but allows you to receive life-saving treatment promptly if exposed.

Cholera

Cholera is rare for tourists but outbreaks occur periodically across Africa. Vaccination offers moderate protection for those at heightened risk.

Other Diseases

Depending on your itinerary, you may also need vaccinations for meningitis, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and more. Get individualised advice from a travel vaccination clinic.

Malaria Medications

Malaria is a significant risk across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Anti-malarial medication is essential, and there are several options to discuss with your GP or a specialist travel clinic.

Different drugs target different malaria strains, so the choice depends on your destination. You’ll likely need to start medication in advance of travel and continue for some time after. Strictly follow your prescribed course.

In addition to vaccines and anti-malarials, also speak to your doctor about any other health risks relevant to your chosen destinations.

Seeking Specialist Travel Health Advice

With so many factors to consider for travel in Africa, it’s advisable to consult a specialist vaccination clinic to ensure you get the right vaccines and medications tailored to your itinerary.

At a walk in travel clinic, you can conveniently get vaccinated without an appointment. The comprehensive range of services includes:

  • Vaccines for Africa including yellow fever certification
  • Anti-malarial medications
  • Prescriptions for other travel health needs
  • Advice for food/water precautions, insect bites, adventure activities and more

With a holiday in Africa full of possibilities, get your vaccinations and travel health advice from the specialists. This will ensure you can travel safely on your African adventure.