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Tanzania Travel Health: Quick Checklist

Vaccinations and Health Related to Travel Prep.

May 16, 2018

Vaccines and Medicines.

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

Before You Go

  • Get a check-up from your dentist and your doctor if you have any regular medication or chronic illness, such as high blood pressure or asthma. Recommend to bring enough (2x the amount) medications for your duration in the country. 
  • Organize spare contact lenses and glasses.
  • Get a first-aid and medical kit together; arrange necessary vaccinations.
  • Consider registering with the International Association for Medical Advice to Travellers (www.iamat.org), which provides directories of certified doctors.
  • If you’ll be spending much time in remote areas, consider doing a first-aid course (contact the Red Cross or St John Ambulance). 
  • Carry medications in their original (labelled) containers.
  • If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity.

Travel insurance is not required. However, we highly suggest to purchase travel and evacuation insurance through companies like protectmybubble.com or WorldNomads.com

Remember: While Tanzania has an impressive selection of tropical diseases on offer, it’s more likely you’ll get a bout of diarrhoea or a cold than a more exotic malady. The main exception to this is malaria, which is a real risk throughout much of the country.

Malaria 

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Tanzania.

Yellow fever

Health recommendation: CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Tanzania. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.

Note: Country entry requirement: The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - see complete list: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Tanzania. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Note: Yellow fever vaccine availability in the United States is currently limited. If you need to be vaccinated before your trip, you may need to travel some distance and schedule your appointment well in advance. Find the clinic nearest you.

Key Checklist: 
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
  • Travel insurance - highly recommended. Evacuation insurance - optional 

Get more resources on CDC site 

Plan unforgettable trip to Tanzania!

Reach out here or email us: curiousontanzania@gmail.com