Kmank

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.

sandi

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.

Kmank

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.

sandi

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

Anneb1939_

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.

Kmank

Thanks for the info Anneb! 8)