Yellow Fever and other shots
 

Hi guys,

I will be daparting for Tanzania for a kili climb and safari for roughly 21 days on Jan 10th.

I have read that for US citizen going straight to Tanzania Yellow fever shots are not a necessity.

I have scheduled an appointment at a clinic here but the earliest they could see me will be the 7th.

Is it worth it to go ahead and get the shot as well as Hep A/ and or B and any others (typhoid, meningitis) even though from what I read you are supposed to have gotten the yellow fever 10 days prior to your travel dates?

I dont want to get myself sick right before as we climb 2 days after we arrive. Im not sure if some people have reactions or the shots can actually induce a cold like result at first.



Thanks for the input.

You don't need the YF inoculation fr Tanzania if arriving direct from the US. And, unless you're then heading to a country (other then home to US) that does require YF having been to East Africa, i.e., South Africa... no need for this jab.

I would, however, get the Hep-A, which is a single shot now, then a follow-up jab in 6/mo-1/yr. This will then be good for 10/years.

Unless the doctor gives you the combined Hep-A/B (called Twinex), there is no reason for the Hep-B, unless you'll be working long-term with local communities or plan on unprotected sex during your visit.

thanks for the response Sandi thats what I thought.

Yes I have read that the Hep A is a good idea even here in the states.

I may go ahead and get a polio booster, I believe I had a Tetanus booster less than 7 years ago.

... and the Polio booster jab (I've also had) will last the rest of your life. Happy travels.

I'm going to Tanzania mid February and went for my travel clinic visit yesterday; it was highly recommended that I get inoculated for yellow fever. However, due to the recent shortage of the vaccine, they had no single doses available but will schedule a "clinic" within the next few weeks for those who want or need YF shots. Five-dose vials are available, so they need 5 people who can come in around the same time as the whole vial has to be used up within a short amount of time, like one or two hours, or whatever is not used will have to be discarded.

It was also recommended to me that those of us over a certain age have the "pneumonia shot." Protection against typhoid can be given in pill form called Vivotif and I chose to do that. As mentioned, it is wise to consider being up to date on polio, tetanus, Hep A and possibly Hep B.

Have a great time Kmank and stay well.

Thanks for the info Anneb! 8)