Vaccination center for foreign travel
Indice
Travelers must be up to date with their childhood and adult immunization schedule. These vaccinations include, for example, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines.
Some travelers, either because of their age, work, lifestyle or underlying illness, may be at higher risk of infectious disease and should be up-to-date with additional recommended vaccinations.
In South Africa, there are high altitude points such as Mafadi Peak 3,450m. It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness. Its definition and prevention are detailed in the section “Take care of your trip”.
There is a risk of chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by diurnal and urban mosquitoes. It causes a flu-like illness. To avoid it, mosquito bites should be avoided, there are no medicines or vaccines. In case of fever, headache and/or tiredness, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, especially a Tropical Medicine and International Health service to rule out malaria.
Vaccinations required for travel
Of course, you must have your passport in force before traveling to South Africa, a document that must meet these two requirements: It must have an expiration date of at least 30 days after the date of departure from the country and have 2 blank pages.
Malaria treatment is advisable if you are going to visit risk areas, located in the northeast of the country, such as the Kruger Park. In the big cities there is no risk of being bitten by the mosquito that transmits the disease.
Being located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons in South Africa are the opposite of those in Europe. Winter in South Africa, which runs from June to September, is dry and not too cold. This is the best time to enjoy the wildlife. The vegetation is less lush and the animals concentrate on the rivers to drink. In addition, the southern whale begins to reach the coast. It is also a good season for outdoor activities and sports.
The South African spring is from September to November. Temperatures rise during the day. It is a season that allows us to see beautiful landscapes full of flowers, such as those of the West Coast National Park, about 90 kilometers from Cape Town.
Vaccination card for travel
It is also important to find out about the health coverage of the country of destination and our health insurance. It is also important to seek advice on what food to eat or what hygiene measures to take.
Africa is a continent with a wide diversity of fauna, landscapes, traditions and customs. The contrasts from rural areas to urban areas are remarkable, you can go from a place full of vegetation to large deserts. Special care should be taken with the origin of food and drink.
The recommended vaccinations are those that are recommended because of the probability of contracting the disease in the country of destination. Africa, with its diversity of countries, recommends vaccination against poliomyelitis, yellow fever (for those older than 9 months), tetanus-diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, cholera or meningococcal meningitis (in some countries such as Libya).
The information provided by this medium can in no way replace a direct medical care service, nor should it be used for the purpose of making a diagnosis, or choosing a treatment in particular cases.
What vaccinations are official for travel
And once we have read this post we start with our specific destination. What vaccinations do you need to go to South Africa? Our International SOS insurance offers us all the information to travel without risks.
The limited risk is present in the northwest and northern Cape region along the Molopo and Orange rivers respectively. To consult the malaria risk map of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa, click here.
Malaria is caused by mosquitoes that usually bite from dusk to dawn. Symptoms can develop in as little as seven days or even several months after exposure. Early symptoms of malaria are flu-like: fever, sweating, chills, headache and muscle aches, and feeling tired and generally unwell. Occasionally, sufferers feel nauseous and have vomiting or diarrhea. If left untreated, malaria can cause serious complications such as anemia, seizures, mental confusion, kidney failure and coma. It can be fatal.