Travel Vaccines for South Africa
Consider booking a travel consultation 6 or more weeks prior to travelling to allow adequate time to receive the appropriate vaccines and medications.
South Africa Travel Vaccinations and Health Information
Some people travelling to South Africa should consider being vaccinated for the following:
Malaria – risk for malaria in parts of South Africa, consider chemoprophylaxis if travelling to one of these areas. Chemoprophylaxis consists of tablets or capsules to be taken daily before, during, and after your stay.
Yellow Fever – there is no risk for yellow fever in South Africa, however you require proof of vaccination for yellow fever if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
Rabies – vaccination should be considered in travellers planning to work with animals, in those spending a long period of time in South Africa, people going to rural areas, and for children as they are less likely to report that they have been bitten or scratched by an animal. Vaccination for rabies requires 3 injections followed by 1 booster if needed for future travel.
Most people travelling to South Africa should consider being vaccinated for the following:
Hepatitis A – 2 or 3 injections required
Hepatitis B – 3 injections usually required
Typhoid – 1 injection or 4 capsules required
Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, chickenpox (if applicable) and influenza before travelling
Non-vaccinable diseases to consider:
Dengue – follow mosquito bite avoidance measures as no vaccine is currently available
Chikungunya – follow mosquito bite avoidance measures as no vaccine is currently available