What vaccinations are recommended for travel to Morocco?

Recommended Vaccinations for Travel to Morocco

For travel to Morocco, all travelers should receive hepatitis A and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccines, with additional vaccines recommended based on specific risk factors and travel plans. 1

Core Vaccinations for All Travelers

Routine Vaccinations

Ensure these are up-to-date before travel:

• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap): One dose every 10 years 2, 1
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR): Particularly important for travelers under 40 years 3
• Influenza: Recommended annually for all travelers 1

Destination-Specific Recommendations

• Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended for all travelers to Morocco
  • Provides >95% protection after a single dose
  • Offers long-lasting protection (>20 years) 1
  • Easy to administer pre-travel with high effectiveness 4

Additional Vaccinations Based on Risk Assessment

Consider Based on Travel Duration (>30 days)

• Hepatitis B: Recommended for:
  • Stays longer than 30 days
  • Travelers under 35 years
  • Those with potential risk behaviors (unprotected sexual contact, medical procedures) 4, 5
  • Can be administered as combined hepatitis A/B vaccine 2

Consider Based on Specific Activities

• Rabies: Recommended for:
  • Trekking or travel to remote areas
  • Extended stays in rural areas 4, 6
  • Requires multiple doses before travel for full protection

Consider Based on Specific Regions Within Morocco

• Typhoid fever: Consider for travelers visiting rural areas or with extended stays 5, 7
  • Particularly important if consuming food from street vendors or in rural settings

Special Considerations

Medical Conditions

• Immunocompromised travelers: Should avoid live vaccines and consult with a specialist before travel 1
• Pregnant travelers: Should delay live vaccines; inactivated vaccines are generally considered safe 1

Documentation Requirements

• While Morocco does not require specific vaccines for entry from most countries, travelers should carry documentation of vaccinations received 1
• If traveling to Morocco from a country with yellow fever risk, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required 2

Prevention Beyond Vaccines

• Use insect repellent containing DEET
• Practice good hand hygiene and food safety
• Consider carrying an antibiotic for self-treatment of traveler's diarrhea 1

Timing Considerations

• Start vaccinations 4-6 weeks before departure to ensure adequate time for immune response 7
• Multiple vaccines can be administered simultaneously without reducing effectiveness 4, 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Waiting too late to get vaccinated: Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks
2. Assuming routine vaccinations are sufficient: Morocco-specific recommendations should be followed
3. Neglecting hepatitis A vaccination: This is one of the most important travel vaccines for Morocco
4. Focusing only on vaccines: Remember other preventive measures like food/water precautions and insect protection

Vaccination planning should begin well in advance of travel to ensure complete protection before departure.