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-   -   Yellow fever medical waiver - Rwanda and Tanzania (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/yellow-fever-medical-waiver-rwanda-and-tanzania-1064264/)

clawsing Jul 21st, 2015 10:56 AM

Yellow fever medical waiver - Rwanda and Tanzania
 
I need help - I am traveling to Rwanda and Tanzania Aug 27-Sept 9th for a Gorilla Trek and safari, but I am pregnant and was advised not to receive the Yellow Fever Vaccine. I have been told it is sufficient to bring a medical note from my doctor saying I cannot receive the vaccine - but does anyone know if there are specific requirements for the note? Also, I have seen others post that it is necessary to have the Doctor create the waiver on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) medical contraindication to vaccination form. Does anyone know about this and/or where to get the ICVP? Any and all advice appreciated. Thank you.

sdb2 Jul 21st, 2015 03:12 PM

You can get the waiver on the ICVP form or on your doctor's practice letterhead stationery. ICVP forms are available only from those doctors or practices that are able to vaccinate against YF. In either case, the medical reason for the exemption should be stated. An exemption form/letter does not guarantee entry strictly speaking, but having said that I've never seen a report that an exemption was not allowed.

1bee2 Jul 22nd, 2015 01:35 AM

I am in the same situation, not pregnant, but over 60.
I have been offered exemption via Superdrug travel and MASTA also agree that exemption would be available.
I am travelling to Rwanda where yellow fever vaccination is no longer needed or recommended unless you are travelling from or through an endemic area but an ICVP is required for entry.
My practice nurse, although a yellow fever centre, didn't know about exemption and would have vaccinated.
I will collect the exemption from one of the above and cross my fingers I am allowed in.

LeslieC Jul 23rd, 2015 07:18 AM

This is the CDC information for pregnant women traveling to Rwanda. You can also view the same for Tanzania. Select the "pregnant women" check box on the left column to see the specific info for pregnant women in Tanzania, just has you see here for Rwanda:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinat...ftnav-traveler

You should discuss anti-Malarial medication with your Obstetrician and a travel (infectious disease) expert.

You will see that the CDC doesn't recommend Yellow Fever vaccine for Rwanda but the Rwandan gov't requires it so you'll need that exemption. Malaria, however, is a really scary disease.

We took a similar trip in 2013 and it was thrilling. Our kids are grown and I do understand why you'd want to make this trip before the baby is born and life changes for awhile. But, there is some risk of disease, medical facilities are not ideal, and that Gorilla trek was really taxing. Best wishes.


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