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What Vaccinations Should I Get If I'm Travelling To South Africa?

Heading on holiday to South Africa? Before you experience the wildlife, beaches and cultural beauty of this great country, there are a few vaccines you'll need to get. Just in case you haven't had your jabs already, we've compiled a check-list to help get your holiday started on the right note.

Important: If you have a generally weak immune system, suffer from allergies, or are currently pregnant or breast feeding, consult a medical professional before you get vaccinated.

HIGH PRIORITY

Hepatitis A:
  • This vaccination is essential for travellers over the age of one. Those under one or those who have allergic reactions to the vaccine's components, should get the intramuscular immune globulin shot instead of a vaccine.
  • It should be administered at least two weeks before departure.
  • Get a booster shot six 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:
  • The vaccination is recommended for all travellers - the disease is transmitted through blood and body fluids, so it is not limited to any one area.
  • Vaccine series consists of three intramuscular doses given initially and then one month later and 6 months later.
  • The alternative vaccine series consists of four intramuscular doses. They are given initially, one month later, two months later and then 12 months later. Appropriate for travellers departing in less than six months.

Typhoid:
  • The vaccination is essential for all travellers.
  • It generally consists of a set of tablets which are kept refrigerated and taken orally.
  • An alternative vaccine is an injection. Approved for those over the age two.
  • The injection is recommended for pregnant travellers and those with low immune systems.

Yellow Fever (Circumstantial):
  • Pre-requisite for anybody over the age of one from a yellow-fever infected endemic zone (African countries, the Americas and others).
  • The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination center. An International Certificate of Vaccination will prove you're immunized.
  • The vaccine is not recommended for children under six months, adults with low immunity, or those allergic to chicken eggs (used to culture the vaccine). This applies to those with a malignant neoplasm, with a history of thymus disease or thymectomy.
  • Those between the ages of six and eight months, age 60 years or older, pregnant, or breastfeeding should see a medical professional before getting the vaccine.

MEDIUM PRIORITY

Rabies:
  • The vaccination is highly recommended for travellers working with animals or going to rural areas.
  • Children should receive this vaccine as they are more likely to play with animals - even locally.
  • The Eastern Cape province presents the highest risk for rabies.
  • A complete pre-exposure series consists of three doses of vaccine injected into the deltoid muscle on three different occasions (the first day, day seven and day 21 or 28).
  • Even if immunized, always clean an animal bite accordingly.

Tetanus-Diphtheria:
  • Every traveller who hasn't had their tetanus shot are advised to get this vaccination.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) (Circumstantial):
  • Two doses are recommended (if not previously given) for all travellers born after 1956, unless naturally immune (blood tests will show).
  • Many adults born after 1956 and before 1970 have received a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella as children. Travellers born between those times should be given a second dose before departing.
  • Pregnant women and those with low immunity should exercise caution - seek professional advice about the vaccine.

LOW PRIORITY

Cholera (Circumstantial):
  • Not essential, as casual travellers aren't usually exposed to tainted water.
  • Aid workers or those who plan to spend time in rural or informal settlements are at risk.
  • Two vaccines have recently been developed. Both are administered orally.

It it important that you are well-aware of the potential side-effects of different vaccinations before you receive them. Also practice added safety precautions when travelling. Care and caution are the best kind of vaccination.