South Africa travel injections
Almost ready for your trip to South Africa? Its time to start getting excited! You truly are in for a trip-of-a-lifetime. South Africa is a truly remarkable country and we can promise you that this is a trip that you will never forget! From outdoor adventures, surfing, and safari, to vibrant cities boasting an energetic nightlife, both South Africa’s natural beauty and urban scene are sure to impress any visitor. Make sure all your vaccinations are in order before you depart.
Also we recommend you check out the 10 things you simply must do when visiting South Africa.
Required vaccinations for travel
You need to take all the precautions necessary for a safe and healthy trip. It is recommended to visit your healthcare provider or a specialist medical travel consultant a few weeks before your vacation in order to get the latest available vaccination requirements. The main vaccination that you will need when entering South Africa, is the Yellow Fever vaccination. This vaccination is required if you are entering South Africa from a country that has transmission of Yellow Fever. Keep in mind that many of South Africa's neighbours also have strict proof of your vaccination from Yellow Fever, so if you intend on visiting any of South Afric's neighboring countries, please make sure you have proof of your vaccination from this mosquito-spread disease. A yellow fever vaccine certification is required for entrance into South Africa for all travelers who have passed through a WHO-designated yellow fever country, even if your transit in that country was as brief as a layover on a plane. Be sure to pack your original yellow fever card in your carry on luggage, as copies of the certificate will not be accepted by customs authorities
recommended travel vaccinations
South Africa Travel Injections - Besides for Yellow Fever, the CDC as well as the WHO have a list of recommended vacinations that all people entering South Africa should have. You should consider your current protection levels for all of the following: -
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Mumps
- Malaria
- Measles
- Rubella
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
Malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus may be uncommon to travelers from the United States, but all are common in South Africa. Malaria in particular is quite widespead across South Africa. It is a disease that is spread via mosqitoes and can lead to very serious disease and in some instances even prove fatal. Malaria is a disease that should be taken seriously, and you should make sure that every precaution is taken not to get ill. Using the appropriate treated mosquito nets at night will help you avoid bites, and be sure to spray your clothes and skin, as well. Various anti-malarial medications are also available, but you should contact your healthcare professional when deciding on which anti-malarial drug would work best for you. Malaria is present in certain areas in South Africa throughout the year, but the risk of Malarial infection is higher from September to May.
Other medical information
Medical facilities in South Africa are comparable with the medical facilities you would expect to find in any First World country. There are both public (government controlled) as well as private hospitals located in all the provinces throughout South Africa. The quality of healthcare is generally very good, and should you fall ill while on your South African vacation, you can expect a more than adequate level of medical care. Just be advised though, that medical facilities in the rural areas are not as well equipped as in the major metropolitan areas, so make sure that you have taken out a decent travel insurance plan prior to leaving.
Protection in the Kruger National Park
. It's hard to imagine a trip to South Africa that does not include a safari in one of the country's many game parks. Indeed, South Africa has over 600 parks and reserves, so travelers can find any type of experience they desire, from complete isolation, to a group trip through Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in the world. In this park, you will have the opportunity to see the big five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. Regardless of the specific park into which the safari takes you, it is essential to bring the right gear. Sunscreen and hats are a must for daytime travel and adventure, but dawn safaris can be surprisingly cold. Make sure to dress in layers that you can shed as the sun and temperatures go up. Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars as well, so that you don't miss out on any of the animals. Remember, you are not allowed to leave your vehicle at any point. No matter the quality of your accommodations, a safari means plenty of time outdoors, so it is crucial to take the proper precautions against insect-borne diseases during your trip.
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