Vaccinations & Health
Essential health information for East Africa travel. Required vaccinations, recommended immunizations, malaria prevention, and health preparations.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This guide provides general information only. Consult your doctor or travel medicine clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for personalized medical advice based on your health history, itinerary, and current health advisories.
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Vaccination Timeline
Start Planning Early
Schedule your travel medicine appointment 6-8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks, and your body needs time to build immunity.
8 Weeks Before
Schedule travel clinic appointment. Begin multi-dose vaccines (Hepatitis A/B, Rabies if needed).
4-6 Weeks Before
Complete second doses. Get Yellow Fever vaccine if needed (wait 10 days for certificate validity).
2 Weeks Before
Start malaria prophylaxis (timing depends on medication type). Final vaccine doses.
Departure Day
Pack vaccination certificates, prescriptions, and medication list.
Required Vaccination
Yellow Fever - MANDATORY
Yellow Fever vaccination is REQUIRED for entry into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda if you are traveling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Many East African countries also require it for all travelers.
Who Needs It:
- • All travelers over 9 months old (in practice, usually required for all ages)
- • Anyone traveling from yellow fever endemic countries (including transit)
- • Recommended for all East Africa visitors regardless of origin
Important Details:
- • Single dose provides lifetime protection
- • Certificate valid 10 days after vaccination
- • Certificate must be presented at immigration
- • Available only at designated Yellow Fever vaccination centers
- • Cost: $150-$300 USD
- • Immunity lasts: Lifetime (as of 2016)
CRITICAL: Without a valid Yellow Fever certificate, you may be denied entry or required to be vaccinated at the airport (sometimes with questionable needle safety). Get vaccinated before you travel!
Recommended Vaccinations
These vaccines are strongly recommended for East Africa travel. Consult your doctor about your specific needs based on your itinerary and health history.
Hepatitis A
Transmission:
Contaminated food and water
Schedule:
2 doses: Initial + 6-12 months booster
Protection:
~95% after first dose, lifelong after second
Recommendation:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Typhoid Fever
Transmission:
Contaminated food and water
Options:
Injectable (1 dose) or oral (4 capsules)
Protection:
2-5 years (varies by type)
Recommendation:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Hepatitis B
Transmission:
Blood/bodily fluids, medical procedures
Schedule:
3 doses over 6 months (accelerated available)
Protection:
Lifelong immunity
Recommendation:
RECOMMENDED
Especially for healthcare workers, adventure travelers, or those planning extended stays
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
Transmission:
Cuts, wounds, respiratory droplets
Schedule:
Booster every 10 years
Protection:
10 years per booster
Recommendation:
ENSURE UP TO DATE
Rabies (Pre-Exposure)
Transmission:
Animal bites/scratches (dogs, bats, monkeys)
Schedule:
3 doses over 3-4 weeks
Note:
Still need post-exposure shots if bitten
Recommendation:
CONSIDER IF...
- • Trekking in remote areas (gorilla/chimp trekking)
- • Extended rural stays
- • Working with animals
- • Limited access to medical care
Meningococcal Meningitis
Transmission:
Respiratory droplets, close contact
Schedule:
Single dose (booster every 5 years)
Risk Areas:
Primarily "Meningitis Belt" countries
Recommendation:
OPTIONAL
East Africa is outside the main meningitis belt, but consider for northern Kenya/Uganda travel during dry season
Polio
Status:
Mostly eradicated in East Africa
Schedule:
Booster if last dose >10 years ago
Protection:
Lifetime with childhood series + booster
Recommendation:
CHECK WITH DOCTOR
Malaria Prevention - CRITICAL
Malaria is present in most of East Africa below 2,500m altitude. There is NO vaccine for malaria. Prevention relies on antimalarial medication and mosquito bite prevention.
Antimalarial Medications
Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) ⭐ Most Popular
Dosing:
1 tablet daily with food
Timeline:
Start 1-2 days before, continue 7 days after
Cost:
$$$ (~$5-7/day)
Side Effects:
Minimal - nausea, headache (rare)
Pros:
Fewer side effects, shorter duration after travel, once daily
Doxycycline
Dosing:
100mg daily with food/water
Timeline:
Start 1-2 days before, continue 28 days after
Cost:
$ (very affordable ~$0.50/day)
Side Effects:
Sun sensitivity, stomach upset, yeast infections
Considerations:
Requires high SPF sunscreen, take with plenty of water, long post-travel duration
Mefloquine (Lariam)
Dosing:
1 tablet weekly
Timeline:
Start 2 weeks before, continue 4 weeks after
Cost:
$$ (moderate)
Side Effects:
Can cause vivid dreams, anxiety, mood changes
Caution:
Not recommended for those with history of mental health issues, anxiety, or depression
Mosquito Bite Prevention
Antimalarial medication is only 85-95% effective. Combine with bite prevention for maximum protection:
Malaria Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, sweats, fatigue, nausea. Symptoms can appear 7 days to several months after exposure. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop these symptoms during or after your trip.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Gorilla trekking areas (Bwindi, Volcanoes National Park) and Mount Kilimanjaro are at high altitude. Altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness level.
High Altitude Areas:
- • Bwindi (Uganda): 1,160-2,607m (3,800-8,550ft)
- • Volcanoes NP (Rwanda): 2,500-4,507m (8,200-14,787ft)
- • Mount Kilimanjaro: 5,895m (19,341ft) summit
- • Nairobi: 1,795m (5,889ft)
Prevention Tips:
Symptoms to Watch: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite. Severe symptoms include confusion, inability to walk, fluid in lungs. Descend immediately if severe symptoms occur.
Water & Food Safety
Safe Drinking Water
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Check bottle seals are intact
- Avoid ice unless from purified water
- Use bottled water for brushing teeth
- Lodges/camps provide safe drinking water
Food Safety Guidelines
✓ SAFE TO EAT:
- • Hot, freshly cooked food
- • Fruit you peel yourself
- • Bread and dry goods
- • Bottled beverages
- • Food at reputable lodges/restaurants
✗ AVOID:
- • Raw or undercooked meat/seafood
- • Unpasteurized dairy products
- • Salads and raw vegetables
- • Street food (unless clearly hygienic)
- • Pre-cut fruit from vendors
Traveler's Diarrhea: Despite precautions, stomach issues are common. Pack Imodium (loperamide), oral rehydration salts, and antibiotics if prescribed. Stay hydrated. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or persist beyond 3 days.
Finding a Travel Medicine Clinic
Travel medicine clinics specialize in pre-travel health consultations and vaccinations. They provide personalized advice based on your itinerary, health history, and current disease outbreaks.
Finding a Clinic Near You:
United States:
- • CDC Travel Clinic Directory: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/find-clinic
- • ISTM Clinic Directory: istm.org
United Kingdom:
- • NHS Travel Health Services
- • MASTA Travel Clinics: masta-travel-health.com
Canada:
- • CATMAT Clinic Directory
- • Travel Medicine and Vaccination Centres
Australia:
- • Travelvax Clinics: travelvax.com.au
What to Bring to Your Appointment:
- Vaccination records (if available)
- Detailed travel itinerary
- List of current medications
- Medical conditions or allergies
- Travel dates and planned activities
Cost Expectations: Travel clinic consultations typically cost $50-200 USD. Vaccines are additional ($50-300 per vaccine). Some health insurance plans cover travel vaccines - check with your provider.
Questions About Health Preparations?
Our team can provide guidance on health requirements and connect you with medical resources for your safari.
Contact Us for Assistance