From the Guidelines
Yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended before traveling to Africa.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccine: is recommended for persons aged ≥9 months who are traveling to or living in areas at risk for YFV transmission in Africa 1.
Key Considerations
- The risk for yellow fever is determined by multiple factors, including immunization status, location of travel, season, duration of exposure, occupational and recreational activities while traveling, and local rate of virus transmission at the time of travel 1.
- Health-care providers should vaccinate only persons who are at risk for exposure to YF virus or require proof of vaccination for country entry, and observe the contraindications carefully to minimize the risk for serious adverse events 1.
- Certain countries in Africa require evidence of vaccination from all entering travelers, while others may waive the requirements for travelers coming from noninfected areas and staying <2 weeks 1.
Additional Information
- Travelers should seek up-to-date information from health departments, CDC, and WHO to determine requirements and regulations for vaccination 1.
- A valid International Certificate of Vaccination is required for international travel, and booster doses are needed at 10-year intervals 1.
From the Research
Recommended Vaccinations for Travel to Africa
The following vaccinations are recommended for travelers to Africa:
- Hepatitis A vaccine, as hepatitis A is a common vaccine-preventable infection in travelers 2, 3, 4
- Polio vaccine, as polio is still present in Africa 2, 3, 4
- Yellow fever vaccine, for travel to yellow fever endemic areas in Africa 2, 3, 4
- Meningococcal vaccine, for travel to the African "meningitis belt" during the dry season 3, 4
- Typhoid fever vaccine, as South Asia is not the only region where travel-associated typhoid fever is acquired, and antimicrobial resistance is emerging 4
- Rabies vaccine, for travelers who will be in contact with potentially rabid animals 4
- Japanese encephalitis vaccine, for travel to rural and peri-urban areas 4
- Measles vaccine, as measles is particularly endemic in Africa 2, 4
Special Considerations
- Hepatitis B vaccine, for persons traveling for > 30 days, travelers < 35 years, and for people showing special risk behavior (e.g. high-risk sports, unprotected sexual intercourse) 2
- Diphtheria-tetanus vaccine, for all developing countries, including Africa 2
- Influenza vaccine, for persons at special risk of complications 2, 4
- Cholera vaccine, is virtually never indicated, as cholera is extremely rare in travelers going to endemic areas 2, 4
Pre-Travel Consultation
It is recommended that travelers seek pre-travel consultation to determine the necessary vaccinations and prophylactic measures for their specific destination and travel plans 5, 3, 4