Africa

Finding out what vaccinations and immunizations you need before you travel to Africa is an important part of planning your trip.

As vaccination requirements change on occasion, we recommend that you check with your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions.
The most important health consideration in Africa is malaria and yellow fever it is strongly recommended that medicine be taken as a preventative precaution.

The health situation in most African countries requires visitors to be up to date with all common childhood vaccines. This includes Hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio. If you are traveling with children, make sure they have had all their shots. You may also need to get boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and measles if you haven't had those in a while.
The following vaccinations are also highly recommended for travel to every African country:

• Hepatitis A
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• yellow fever

Some African countries have actual entry requirements and won't let you in unless you have proof you've been vaccinated against a specific disease. The most common is yellow fever .

Countries in Africa also differ as to which diseases are prevalent and you have to adjust your vaccinations according to your specific destination.

How To Avoid Malaria

• Use a mosquito net at night
• Spray your room before you go to sleep
• Switch off all lights while you are sleeping since mosquitoes are attracted to light
• Avoid wearing strong after-shave or perfume, the smell will attract mosquitoes
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing especially around dawn and dusk when the anopheles mosquitoes are most active