African Vaccination week 20-26 April 2020

Travel Vaccines and Advice for South Africa

South Africa provides a diverse experience for travelers with a variety of landscapes and cultures.

There are nine official ethnic groups in South Africa. The largest communities include people with European, Asian and multiracial descent.

Due to this large number of different ethnicity, there are 11 official languages. This is the most official languages of any country in the world. There are also many different religions practiced throughout the country.

South Africa hold three major capital cities including Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.

Do I Need Vaccines for South Africa?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

See the tables below for more information or visit their website on https://www.passporthealthusa.com/:

Recommended Travel Vaccinations for South Africa
VACCINE	HOW DISEASE SPREADS	DETAILS
Hepatitis A	Food & Water	Recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B	Blood & Body Fluids	Accelerated schedule available
Typhoid	Food & Water	Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
Yellow Fever	Mosquito	Required if traveling from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Rabies	Saliva of Infected Animals	Vaccine recommended for certain travelers based on destination, activities and length of stay.

Routine Vaccinations for South Africa
VACCINE	HOW DISEASE SPREADS	DETAILS
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR)	Various Vectors	Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One-time adult booster recommended.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)	Wounds & Airborne	Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
Chickenpox	Direct Contact & Airborne	Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles	Direct Contact	Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
Pneumonia	Airborne	Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immune compromised should receive both.
Influenza	Airborne	Vaccine components change annually.
Meningitis	Airborne & Direct Contact	Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
Polio	Food & Water	Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need the vaccine.

Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa. Use mosquito repellents, netting and antimalarial s if you are traveling to these areas.

Medical facilities are common and in good condition in urban areas and near game parks. But facilities are limited in rural areas. Most facilities only accept cash payments before a procedure is done. Medicare does not cover these expenses.

Visit the vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling 1-888-499-7277 or book online now.

Sources: CDC, WHO and ISTM