VACCINATIONS FOR TANZANIA

Visitors are recommended to take vaccination against hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio. The prevalence of mosquitoes and other disease spreading insects, you are advised to acquire insect repellents as the incidence of Malaria tends to intensify in the rainy season. In addition, visitors are advised to take up a comprehensive medical and travel insurance that cover repatriation costs.

Sort out your vaccinations a few months before you’re due to fly.

According to the latest bulletin, it is no longer compulsory to have the yellow fever vaccination to enter Tanzania. Nevertheless, this rule seems to change every few months so it may still be wise to have an inoculation against it, which in the UK can cost anywhere from £25-45 (US$45-80). Remember to collect a health card or some other written evidence from your doctor to prove you’ve had the jab.

Other recommended inoculations for Kilimanjaro and Tanzania include:

Typhoid - This disease is caught from contaminated food and water. A single injection lasts for three years.

Polio- The polio vaccine used to be administered by sugar-lump, making it one of the more pleasant inoculations, though these days it’s more commonly injected. It lasts for ten years.

Hepatitis A - This debilitating disease of the liver is spread by contaminated water, or even by using cutlery that has been washed in this water. The latest inoculation involves two injections: the first will protect you for three years, the second, taken six to twelve months later, will cover you for ten years.

Tetanus - Tetanus vaccinations last for ten years and are absolutely vital for visitors to Tanzania. The vaccination is usually given in combination with one for diphtheria. Once you’ve had five injections, you’re covered for life.

Meningococcal meningitis - This disease of the brain is often fatal, though the vaccination, while not free, is safe, effective and lasts for three to five years.

Rabies - If you’re spending some time with animals or in the wilderness, it’s also worth considering having a course of rabies injections, though it isn’t pleasant, consisting of three injections spread over one month.