Travel Clinics of America is your best choice for receiving high-quality pre-travel care, sound travel advice, and peace of mind.
Africa
Are you Traveling to Africa?
When you travel outside of the U.S., it’s wise to expect the unexpected. Being far away from home means there is a risk of contracting disease. The physicians at Travel Clinics of America can help you get the appropriate travel shots and teach you about diseases common at your specific destination.
Recommendations for travel
- Find a Travel Clinic
- Make sure that your routine immunizations are up to date.
- Review travel immunizations in the table below which may be recommended for you to travel to Africa.
|
Disease |
Description |
Vaccination |
|
Hepatitis A |
Hepatitis A, transmitted through contaminated food and water, is the most common vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccination against Hepatitis A virtually eliminates the risk of the disease. It is given as a series of 2 shots, 6 months apart. |
|
|
Yellow Fever |
Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease varies from mild to severe causing liver failure. Yellow fever can be prevented by vaccination and avoidance of mosquitoes. NOTE: Proof of vaccination (International Certificate of Vaccination) against yellow fever may be required for travel to and from some of the countries in Africa |
|
|
Meningitis |
Meningococcal meningitis is a very serious bacterial infection of the brain. It is transmitted from person-to-person through respiratory secretions and saliva. The disease occurs everywhere in the world but the incidence of meningococcal disease is highest in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa. Meningitis vaccine is the best protection against this serious disease. NOTE: Proof of vaccination against meningococcal disease is required for persons traveling to Mecca during the annual Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage. |
|
|
Typhoid Fever |
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection. It occurs worldwide but is more common in developing countries. Typhoid is transmitted by contaminated food. The Typhoid vaccine is by far the best protection for the travelers going to developing countries. |
|
|
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis B, a serious viral illness, is transmitted through blood products, contaminated medical instruments (such as during an emergency surgery) and unprotected sex. Some travelers, such as adventure travelers, Peace Corps volunteers, missionaries, and military personnel, may be at increased risk for infection. Generally given over 6 months, the Hepatitis vaccine also may be given on an accelerated schedule over 21 days. |
|
|
Polio |
Polio is spread from person to person — and through contaminated food and water. Travelers to Kenya, Nigeria and other countries in Africa may be advised to get a polio booster. |
|
|
Rabies |
Rabies is characteristically transmitted by the bite or scratch of rabid infected animals. Travelers to rural areas for extended periods of time, children, and those in close contact with animals are at a higher risk for rabies and should discuss receiving a prophylactic anti-rabies vaccination with a travel physician. This vaccination involves a series of three injections, given over 3-4 weeks. |
|
|
Zika virus |
There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. |
|
Additional considerations
Key Points
Your specific itinerary dictates which additional vaccines you need to protect your health during your trip.
As soon as you know that you are traveling in Africa—whether for business or pleasure— contact Travel Clinics of America. We will make sure that you have the vaccination protection and advice you need. |
