When you need travel vaccinations to Africa, planning a wild and adventurous trip takes a little effort and preparation. Yes, it’s important for you to have a lot of fun when traveling to another country, but you must think about your safety and health, as well. It is important to get certain vaccinations, not only to prevent you from getting diseases, but also to prevent infectious diseases from spreading to other countries. Also, you need to make sure to plan far enough ahead, so that you can make your destination without any glitches.
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, and Meningococcal Meningitis are extremely recommended vaccinations for every traveler going to Africa. The Rabies vaccination is one that you need to pay close attention to. There are many wild and roaming animals in Africa, and if you are bit by an animal which has rabies, you could become infected if you don’t have the vaccination. The rabies pre-exposure vaccine must be spaced out four different times over the course of one month. Then you should be checked every six months when traveling to make sure you still have the proper build of antigens in your body.
Many large cities in the United States have travel clinics specifically designed to address the health issues, checkups, and vaccinations of prospective travelers and those which have returned. You should call the clinic closest to you months ahead of time to get a travel vaccination pamphlet, which will tell you the recommended vaccines you need, when you should get them relative to your trip, how the vaccines are administered.
Vaccinations can make or break your travel plans to Africa. Many countries will refuse your entrance if you do not have documentation stating that you have been vaccinated against the disease. Yellow fever is one disease you must be vaccinated against before traveling to Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, where this mosquito born disease is prevalent. Some countries where yellow fever is prevalent and those that may refuse your entrance are Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Liberia, and more. According to the Center for Disease Control, yellow fever vaccination must be given by a registered provider. You can find registered providers by visiting www.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever.aspx
Not only should you get these vaccinations, but you should check your records and check with your doctor to make sure you have all of your childhood vaccinations up to date. If you can’t find them or the records are lost, you may have to take those vaccinations over again or be tested to see if the antigens are present in your body. Also, some vaccinations may take longer than you think. Make sure you check in advance to find out how many booster shots you will need for each vaccination, and how far along they must be spaced. It never hurts to do a little of your own research before you leave. You will be glad you did. Happy Traveling!
