Vaccination

VACCINATION

After flight arrangements and planning a safari, you probably cannot wait to start your adventure in Tanzania! However, there are a few less pleasant details you must consider before your travel(s) begin, including necessary vaccinations for tropical diseases.

Recommended Vaccinations 

Check your medical history to see if you have already received some of the recommended or required vaccines. It is advised that you see a doctor or clinic that has a special focus on tropical diseases and ask them if there are any additional suggestions based on your age, health or medical history and for the best, tell them that you are travelling to Africa. They might have a different advice for you before.

It can take a bit of time to get all the recommended vaccinations; it is advisable to begin as soon as you confirm your travel dates.

Required Vaccinations for Tanzania and Zanzibar

Yellow Fever

Despite the long list of recommended vaccines, Tanzania has only one compulsory vaccination: Yellow Fever.

Tanzania has no recorded case of Yellow Fever and efforts to ensure this superb record mean that all visitors from countries that have a risk of Yellow Fever must present vaccination certificates upon entry.

However, travellers from non-risk countries have reported that they have been asked at random to present proof at international airports or border crossings, also. To prevent any delays, it is recommended to receive the vaccination and be prepared to show evidence with a vaccination card or certificate when asked to.

The vaccination should be acquired a minimum of 10 days before travel.

A certificate of vaccination for Yellow Fever will be necessary for arrival from Kenya or other neighbouring East African Countries, and if you have travelled recently in any other areas at risk of Yellow Fever, including South America and parts of Asia.

Malaria

The risk of contracting Malaria in Tanzania is decreasing every year; however, travellers often visit some of the areas where it remains a risk. This fever is passed from an infected human to another through a carrier: the female mosquito. Hence, it is important to avoid mosquitoes and protect oneself by using repellents (DETA 20-30%) and sleeping under a mosquito net.

While there is no vaccine against Malaria, there are special medicines to prevent Malaria: Malarone, Doxycycline, Lariam (Mefloquine) and more. Please consult with your doctor before beginning any of these doses.

If you have any of the following symptoms (fever, chills, vomiting or diarrhoea) while in Tanzania or upon your return to your home country, attend a health clinic or see your doctor as soon as possible.