Vaccines for Holidays in Southern Africa

Those venturing on holiday usually go through the normal checklist – travellers checks, sunglasses, sun cream, book, swimming trunks and toothbrush. Travellers must be careful that they do not overlook the most important of these – vaccinations. A must for those looking to venture on holiday in South Africa and many other parts of the world are the routine vaccines to protect you against the illnesses that are prevalent in that country. The last thing you want is for your tailor made African holiday to end in disaster because you forgot to check what vaccinations you should take before you travel.

You should always visit your GP to discuss what vaccines you should take. Below is a guide to routine vaccinations associated with holidays in Southern Africa.

Hepatitis A – A virus which can be passed from person to person, can occur through exposure to contaminated water, ice, salad, shellfish etc. that has come into direct contact with contaminated water and from other sorts of uncooked food that has come into contact with contaminated water.

Hepatitis B – contracted through exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, sexual contact with the local population or exposure through medical care.

Malaria - risks of contracting malaria are high in all countries in southern Africa. You GP will prescribe you the correct anti-malarial drug you need to take, courses often start weeks before departing on your holiday and should be continued for up to 4 weeks on your return.

Rabies – unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas such as camping and cycling areas.

Typhoid – can be contracted through drinking contaminated water or food, or by food handled by and infected individual.

Booster doses for tetanus-diptheria, measles and a on-off dose of polio vaccine for adults.

Checklist for African Holidays

Below is a list we advise you take on holidays in southern Africa:

Insect repellent
Insect Spray
Insect Nets for your sleeping accommodation (often provided by hotels so may be worthwhile checking).
Iodine tablets and portable water filters should bottled drinking water not be provided.
Sun protection lotion, hats (especially for young children – necks should also be covered and the use of long sleeve t-shirts are recommended and should be worn whilst swimming).

The above acts as just a rough guide, to make you aware of what you may be required to take; we strongly recommend you visit your GP to discuss medical requirements, wherever you are planning on travelling to.