AFRICA: WHAT VACCINATIONS AND PREVENTION ARE NEEDED?

Medical preparation for a trip to Africa plays a key role in maintaining your health and safety while traveling. The basic medical protocol includes obtaining international medical insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation by air ambulance. Without such a policy, any serious medical care in remote regions can cost an astronomical amount.

The main requirement for entering many tropical African countries is an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. This vaccination must be done at least ten days before crossing the border, as border services have the full right to refuse entry without the appropriate mark in the passport. In addition, it is strongly recommended to update the standard vaccination schedule, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, measles, hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid fever.

Malaria prevention is another crucial point in preparing for a safari and visiting national parks. Since there is no freely available effective vaccine against malaria, doctors usually prescribe a course of prophylactic tablets that should be taken before entering the endemic zone, during the trip, and for some time after returning. Additionally, you should use powerful repellents with a high concentration of DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and sleep under mosquito nets.

To prevent intestinal infections, never drink tap water and do not use it even for brushing your teeth. Purchase exclusively bottled water, make sure the cap is factory-sealed, and avoid ice in drinks. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, or better yet, choose thermally processed food in trusted public catering establishments.