Are you travelling to Kenya? There are various health concerns that will definitely run through your head and the vaccinations for Kenya. The biggest question being, do you need vaccinations to go to Kenya?
Kenya is an amazing country to experience wildlife if you are on a safari to Kenya and to take in a gorgeous and diverse landscape. You can find everything from equatorial glaciers to tall mountains to extensive plains.
Many who visit Kenya opt to go on an African wildlife safari, where they catch glimpses of animals like rhinos, elephants and lions. Hikers will find adventure with Mount Kenya, an impressive peak which offers both day hikes and more ambitious excursions.
Kenya has beautiful beaches that are welcoming to travelers looking for relaxation or to participate in watersports, including diving and snorkeling.
Culturally, Kenya also boasts impressive diversity, with more than 40 different ethnic groups with their own unique traditions. However, with the travel, there are risks involved and one of them is health
In order to handle this risk and the vaccinations for Kenya, let us therefore tackle the question Do you need vaccinations to go to Kenya?
Do you need vaccinations to go to Kenya?
There are both compulsory for entry and strongly recommended vaccinations for Kenya. All travelers mus have some vaccinations to go to Kenya. Among the necessary ones are Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. You may not be allowed entry if you do not have this.
Furthermore, for most short-term travelers the usual recommended vaccinations for Kenya. This include cover against the childhood diseases like Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Poliomyelitis. You may as well as cover against the food and water borne diseases of Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Vaccination or prophylaxis for certain diseases is advised for Kenya, including malaria. It is important to consult your doctor well in advance of travel for advice on health care. A yellow health passport is required when traveling from some neighboring countries and will be inspected on arrival in Kenya.
Pharmacies and medical centers are accessible in most parts of Kenya but the quality of medical care can vary. Ensure that you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications with you if traveling outside of the main urban centers.
Water quality can be poor in Kenya and outbreaks of waterborne diseases can occur. Ensure that drinking water is safe before consumption.
What shots do you need for Kenya?
It is important not to Get Confused by Required vs. Recommended Vaccines. Vaccines required for visas and crossing borders are governmental regulations (and therefore non-negotiable) but to stay healthy take the recommended vaccines too. After all, staying healthy is the point.
For starters, all international travelers should be current on their routine vaccines. Common thing happens commonly, that’s why protection with routine vaccines is recommended.
The table below list the important vaccinations for Kenya and the activity or destination of interest:
VACCINATION LIST | REQUIRED/ RECOMMENDED | ALL TRAVELLERS | TREKKING | RURAL |
YELLOW FEVER |
Yellow Fever |
— | — |
— |
TETANUS |
— |
Tetanus | — |
— |
DIPHTHERIA |
— |
— | — |
Diphtheria |
HEPATITIS A |
— |
Hepatitis A | — |
— |
TYPHOID |
— |
Typhoid | — |
— |
HEPATITIS B |
— |
— | Hepatitis B |
— |
RABIES |
— |
— | Rabies |
— |
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS |
— |
— | — |
Meningococcal Meningitis |
POLIOMYELITIS |
— |
Poliomyelitis | — |
— |
CHOLERA |
— |
— | — |
— |
TUBERCULOSIS |
— |
— | — |
Tuberculosis |
TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS |
— |
— | — |
— |
JAPANESE B ENCEPHALITIS |
— |
— | — |
— |
MALARIA |
W.H.O. report malaria transmission throughout the country. Prophylaxis recommended for all. Please consult your Doctor or Travel Clinic. |
Vaccinations for Kenya Depends on Activity and Destination
Those planning a more adventurous time, especially if they will leave the normal tourist routes should consider further vaccination cover against diseases including Rabies, Hepatitis B and Meningococcal Meningitis. Tourists should start their vaccines about 4 to 6 weeks before they leave Ireland.
In Kenya, malaria poses a very real risk outside Nairobi. One of the highest risk areas is Mombasa which is where many travelers will find themselves at some time. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and so the first line of defense is to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Malaria Prophylaxis may be prescribed to you during your consultation depending on your itinerary.
In general, travelers to Nairobi find that the level of health care facilities are good. Doctors in Kenya speak English and the level of care they provide is usually excellent for the holiday maker.
Some travelers to Kenya will have no particular itinerary planned and so start their holiday from either Nairobi or Mombasa. Those planning to go off the beaten track should register with the Irish Counsel. Great care should always be ensured.
The risk of contracting malaria for is considered moderate by the CDC. Travelers should consult a travel medicine specialist to determine the best antimalarial for their trip. Dengue and chikungunya are also present in the country. Be sure to bring and use mosquito repellents and netting.
Travelers should also discuss the risk of contracting yellow fever while in Kenya. Vaccination for Kenya is available at most Health locations in different countries.
Meningitis poses a risk to travelers to Kenya. Be sure you are vaccinated before leaving for your trip.
Reminder
Please remember, every traveler will require a specialized consultation and this information only contains general guidelines. That is why you need to see your doctor in advance before your travel to Kenya