Kenya is a country located in Eastern Africa. This country boast of spectacular wildlife, diverse people and awesome landscapes. For most people visiting the country, a safari is a must. It is for this reason why we will look at the types of vaccines one needs to get while traveling to Kenya.
Do I need any vaccines while visiting Kenya?
Yes, a number of vaccines are recommended if you are traveling to Kenya either for a holiday or business. The World Health Organization recommends a number of Vaccines. These vaccines are:
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Hepatitis A Vaccines in Kenya
This is another vaccination to get in Kenya. Consuming any food and water which is not clean might result in getting Hepatitis A. However, there are also a few other ways of spreading it such as through fecal-oral route. The risk is very high if one is visiting places with poor sanitation or for those men who have sex with men.
A vaccine is a must, especially when visiting the country for the first time.
2. Typhoid Vaccines in Kenya
Typhoid is spread through food and water. It is also important to get this vaccine before traveling to Kenya. If one is flying into work on something requiring a lot of traveling, it’s important to get this vaccine. It is important to get this vaccine in Kenya.
3. Hepatitis B
This disease is spread through contaminated blood, needles, or other medical instruments. It may also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Like hepatitis A, the risk of transmission is higher if one has other underlying conditions. This disease is recommended for travelers traveling in most regions.
4. Yellow Fever Vaccine in Kenya
Yellow Fever is a disease spread through Mosquitoes. This Vaccine is highly recommended if one intends to travel across the country. The most high-risk regions include:
- Kilifi
- Nairobi
- Kwale
- Coast province
- Malindi
- Mombasa
5. Meningitis
In addition to the vaccines above, Meningitis also comes highly recommended for anyone traveling to Kenya. This disease is airborne and also through direct contact. It is important to get this vaccination, especially if visiting Kenya in the dry season that is between August, October, January.
6. Cholera
Cholera is a water-borne disease. When visiting Kenya, One should get Cholera Vaccine.
7. Rabbies
In addition, If you are traveling to Kenya for a long period of time, you might need to have this vaccine. According to the World Health Organization, Kenya ranks among high-risk countries for this disease.
8. Malaria Vaccination in Kenya
In Kenya, the risk of contracting Malaria is very low. However, one should consider consulting their specialist based on this.
Routine Vaccinations
In addition to this, there are some other routine vaccinations that one might need to get while visiting or staying in Kenya for a long period. These vaccinations include:
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Polio Vaccines In Kenya
This vaccination is routine and a must for those with busy travel itineraries. When one consumes unclean food and water, they could get polio.
2. Measles Mumps
If one was born after 1957, they should receive this vaccine.
3. Pneumonia
For pneumonia, one needs to get two vaccines while given separately. Pneumonia vaccine is part of the Vaccines found in Kenya.
4. Chicken Pox
Chicken Pox Vaccine is for anyone who has never contracted this disease. Therefore, one should get the vaccine first.
5. Tetanus, Diptheria & Pertussis
Mostly, this disease is wounds borne.
Conclusion
However, before settling on which vaccine to get, one should consider a variety of factors. These factors include:
- One’s general health
- The duration of ones stay
- The reason for visiting
- As well as the activities that one will undertake while in this visit.
The first point is to consult with your doctor at least 4 weeks before your scheduled date of travel in order to help out with everything.
