Although pharmacies in South Africa are adequate and well-stocked, it is recommended to bring your own prescribed medication in its original packaging as well as your doctor’s prescription. It is also important to check with the South African embassy that the prescription medication is legal in South Africa. As a tourist, you will be responsible for all medical costs and medical insurance is recommended if you are not covered by your personal medical insurance overseas.
All travelers must be up to date on their routine vaccinations such as the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, as well as the chickenpox, polio and flu vaccine. It is recommended to get preventative medication/ vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid too.
It is important to find out which additional medications/ vaccines you will require based on where you will be travelling within South Africa as well as where you will be travelling from.
Malaria is prevalent in certain parts of South Africa. If you are travelling to these areas, prescription medication should be taken orally before, during and after your trip. Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites therefore mosquito repellents should also be used.
Rabies can be transmitted through dogs, bats and other mammals in South Africa. You should have a rabies vaccination if you plan on being involved in outdoor activities and risk being bitten by animals. This includes playing with and working with animals during your trip.
Although there is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, the South African government required proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country other than the United States.
Before and whilst travelling it is important to get vaccinated, (prevent being bitten by bugs, keep away from animals, eat food that is safe for consumption, take antimalarial medication and avoid sharing bodily fluids and germs.
