What are the Required Vaccinations While Visiting Uganda?
What are the required vaccinations while visiting Uganda? Visiting Uganda for a holiday is every traveler’s desire but your health also matters a lot. Before you book a trip to Uganda, first, it is important to ask and have answers to this question; what vaccinations do I require while visiting Uganda for a holiday? Knowing the required vaccinations while visiting Uganda is essential as it helps you realize a successful road trip.
Luckily, we have covered everything about the required vaccinations while visiting Uganda (the recommended travel vaccines). Also, get to know the general travel health tips and precautions to take while in your destination in Uganda. Taking these vaccines can safeguard you from several health risks/diseases on a vacation in Uganda. Besides, you also reduce the risk of such diseases like flu from spreading to wildlife like mountain gorillas.
Below is the checklist of the required vaccinations while visiting Uganda for a holiday
The routine Vaccinations to take
Be aware that some diseases may seem new to you and are commonly experienced in developing countries. That is why we recommend that you visit your healthcare service provider in advance. This is to keep you up-to-date with some of the routine vaccinations before you take a flight to Uganda. The routine vaccinations you require while visiting Uganda include polio, flu, DPT –diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis A & B, and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella –German measles).
Measles
Protects you against measles, a disease that spreads through different vectors. Anyone unvaccinated or born after 1957 can take it.
TDAP –Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
Required vaccination while visiting Uganda, because it does protect you from TDAP diseases. You can have one adult booster of pertussis –first, you should inquire from your local tour operator. TDAP spreads through wounds and airborne and only one adult booster is needed.
Shingles
The Shingles vaccine protects visitors against shingles –a disease that spreads through direct contact. It is administered in case the person has shingles. Chickenpox vaccine: Get vaccinated against chickenpox which spreads through direct contact and airborne. This is administered to visitors or persons who are unvaccinated and they never got chickenpox.
Pneumonia
Vaccines are required to protect you from pneumonia, an airborne disease. About 2 vaccines are required and can be given separately. The recommended age bracket is 65+ and those whose immune system is compromised can have both (two vaccines). Polio: This is against polio, a disease that spreads through food and water. Polio is regarded as a routine vaccination and is recommended for most travel itineraries. A single adult booster can work best.
Travel vaccinations for travelers visiting Uganda
Yellow fever vaccination
If you are visiting yellow fever risk areas, then a yellow vaccination certificate is of great requirement. A yellow fever vaccination can protect you from getting infected by yellow fever. A person can get infected by yellow fever when he or she is bitten by an infected day-biting mosquito. Yellow fever is common in rural areas although sometimes it does occur even in urban centers. Vaccination is required more so for visitors with plans to visit such risk areas or if you are crossing from the infected areas to say Uganda. Proof of a yellow fever vaccination certificate or card will be required for you to have access to the destination.
A yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travelers above 9 months and this applies to all guests from infected areas/if you have been in transit via infected regions. This applies to guests from Argentina, Angola, Bolivia, Central African Republic, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Ghana, Mauritania, D.R. Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Panama, Sierra Leone and others.
Cholera vaccine
This can protect you against cholera. Take note that cholera spreads when one consumes contaminated water and food. There are basic precautions one may need to observe to avoid contracting cholera including observing good hygiene. Before you travel, inquire from your tour operator about the active cholera transmission areas. Districts that have had cases of cholera in Uganda include Kasese, Kisoro, Kagadi, and Kyegegwa.
Meningitis vaccine
This saves you against meningitis an airborne disease that also spreads through direct contact. Travelers can vaccinate against meningitis during the dry months of the year, especially from December to June.
Typhoid vaccine
Protects travelers from typhoid which spreads through food and water. This can be taken by all travelers from different parts of the world.
Rabies vaccines
Get protected against rabies by taking the rabies vaccine. Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals. It should be taken by all those with plans to on a long-term road trip in Uganda or if you are likely to get contact with animals.
Hepatitis B
This vaccine is administered to protect you against hepatitis B, a disease that spreads through blood and body fluids. Visitors heading to most parts of Uganda are advised to have it.
Hepatitis A
This vaccine protects you against hepatitis A which spreads through food and water. It is also recommended for most visitors on Uganda safaris.
Other health recommendations for a healthy Uganda Safari
Malaria
This is transmitted by an infected mosquito and the best way to protect yourself is to have some antimalarial tablets. Other precautions include;
- Take note of the malaria risk areas which include Kampala, Fort Portal, Mbale, Kigezi, and Jinja.
- Try as much as you can not to get bitten by mosquitoes. Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. This is especially when the sun sets and do not forget to come with a tin of insect repellent.
- High-risk areas- ensure that you have at least mefloquine/doxycycline. Once you have developed malaria-related signs, consider visiting the hospital for professional medical assistance.
- Be aware that even children as young as one year can get malaria. Carry with you some emergency tablets/treatment options, especially if you plan to spend your holiday in the remotest part of Uganda for instance National Parks. Such remotely located destinations don’t have adequate medical facilities and you shouldn’t be taken unaware.
Is Uganda safe to visit for a vacation?
Safety and visitor health in a destination are essential factors. Interestingly, Uganda is safe and secure for all kinds of travelers –those coming for leisure, business MICE events, etc. But first, before you head off to any part of the country, it is important to have an idea of its safety. Plan and book your safari to Uganda with a local tour operator with first-hand information about the different destinations or tourist sites you desire to explore.
Important tips for a safe Uganda Safari
When moving, always guard your valuables including electronics, passports, and cases. Better still, you can have them kept in your hotel room. When driving, always remember to wear your seatbelt. Respect the rest of the road users while driving to your favorite destination. While in the destinations, have respect for the local cultures and traditions. Dress up decently in a manner that is not disrespectful.
In summary, visiting Uganda guarantees you unforgettable experiences. While you plan a successful Uganda safari, health matters shouldn’t be left out. Even if you feel that you are in better health, it is ideal to talk to a health specialist before you embark on a trip. This can guide you, especially in acquiring the required vaccination while visiting Uganda or any destination in East Africa.
