What Vaccinations Should I Get If I'm Travelling To Morocco?

For a holiday or short-term trip to Morocco, you do not require any specific vaccinations before entering the country. However, it is suggested that those going for longer visits exercise a degree of caution, as there is a risk of the following diseases:

Hepatitis A

There is a low (or known) Hepatitis A risk in Morocco. Travellers who should consider the vaccine include those planning a trip for extended periods, and those who will be visiting areas with poor sanitation.

General precautions include:

• Avoiding food served on the street
• Only drinking bottled water outside of the main cities or towns

Vaccine Key Points

• Vaccine should be administered at least 2 weeks before departure.
• Get a booster shot 6 to 12 months later to assure immunization.
• Those with low immunity and with chronic medical conditions should receive an intramuscular immune globulin shot in addition to the initial vaccination. This also applies to the elderly.

Hepatitis B

A small percentage of the population does suffer from Hepatitis B. As this disease is spread by blood and other bodily fluids, we suggest avoiding close contact or taking proper precautionary measures before doing so.

• The vaccine series consists of three intramuscular doses given initially, 1 month later and then 6 months later.

Rabies

This is strongly recommended for travellers who intend working with animals or going to rural areas.

• Children should be considered for this vaccine, as they are more likely to play with stray animals.
• Remain wary of mammals you encounter.
• A complete pre-exposure series consists of three doses of vaccine given on 4 different occasions (the first day, day 7 and day 21 or 28).

Typhoid

Like Hepatitis A, typhoid fever is spread through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Travellers who are planning to stay for extended periods and those who will be visiting areas with poor sanitation should consider being vaccinated.

General precautions include avoiding food served on the street as well as only drinking bottled water outside of the main cities or towns.

• The vaccine is generally a set of tablets that are kept refrigerated and taken orally.
• An alternative vaccine is an injection, approved for those over the age of two.
• The injection is recommended for pregnant travellers and those with low immune systems.

Tetanus-Diphtheria

• Every traveller who hasn't had their tetanus shot should get this vaccination.

Remember: If you are pregnant, allergic to penicillin or have a generally weak immune system, tell a medical expert before taking any vaccine.

Make sure you receive vaccinations before your date of departure. Many vaccines take around 2 to 4 weeks (and some take even longer) to develop adequate protection.