Immunizations for Travel to Kenya
Whether you dream of meeting nomadic tribes, watching lions or relaxing on a beach, it's all possible in Kenya, which offers experiences unrivaled in Africa. Traveling here requires visitors to prioritize their health, so ensure you have all necessary vaccines before departure. Also, the U.S. State Department warns terrorism is an ongoing threat in Kenya and recommends visitors avoid demonstrations, register with the U.S. Embassy and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for breaking security updates.
Although travelers to Kenya may require some specialized vaccines, they also should be up-to-date on all of their general immunizations. Speak with your doctor to see if you need a booster MMR shot, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella. Also, ensure your DPT vaccination is still effective to prevent diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.
if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors -- perhaps on a safari -- during your trip to Kenya, you should receive an immunization against rabies. Anyone who may exposed to wild animals -- such as dogs and bats -- as well as children, who may try to pet wild animals, should receive rabies immunization. If you are already vaccinated, you won't have to scramble to find safe treatment in the event of an incident.
Hepatitis A & B
Hepatitis A, which is typically spread through food and drink, and hepatitis B, which is contracted through the exchange of bodily fluids, harm the liver. Vaccines provide a high level of protection against both strains of the disease, but require several injections given over the course of a few months. To ensure full immunity, start receiving the shots well before traveling to Kenya. In some cases, a combination shot may be available, so speak with your doctor.
All travelers to Kenya should receive a vaccination against typhoid, which is spread through unclean water and food and is a particularly serious threat in rural areas with poor plumbing, according to the Mayo Clinic. The vaccine is available in pill form and requires four doses. However, even the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, and only lasts for five years before a booster shot is required, so be careful in what you eat and drink.
If you are traveling to northern Kenya or through central Africa from December to June, schedule a meningitis vaccination. The disease is spread through close contact with sick people, who infect others via their saliva and respiratory secretions, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Children have the highest risk of contracting the disease, but it also affects adults and teens in large numbers. Regular contact with local people also increases the odds of acquiring an infection.
Depending on where you are traveling in Kenya and in Africa, you may be required to have a yellow fever vaccine. This potentially fatal disease is spread by mosquitoes; it is named for the jaundice it causes, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. For full immunity, receive the shot no later than 10 days before heading to Africa and request a certificate of immunization, which some countries may require visitors to have.
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