Vaccination is one of the important things you need to complete if you are planning to visit Rwanda, especially for visitors coming from countries that are highly infected with serious diseases such as yellow fever or even COVID-19. There are some diseases where vaccination is not compulsory, but for your own safety, you are advised to take the necessary precautions.
Check the vaccine and medicine list and then visit your doctor at least one month before travel to get the vaccines or medicines needed for the country you plan to visit. Some of the vaccines you can take include routine vaccines for chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, flu, influenza, measles, polio, and shingles.
The COVID-19 vaccine should also be taken even though it is no longer mandatory in most countries, as the danger of its spread has reduced. However, for your own health, it is still good to take it. The Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year and above heading to Rwanda. If you are allergic, a single dose of immune globulin can be given, providing protection for up to two months depending on the dosage.
Unvaccinated travelers who are 40 years and above, or who have chronic medical conditions and are planning to travel within two weeks, should get the initial dose of the vaccine during the same appointment when they receive immune globulin.
The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers aged 60 years and younger. Those above 60 years may also get vaccinated before traveling to Rwanda.
Malaria is also a big concern as there are many mosquitoes in African countries. Besides vaccines, an anti-malaria prescription will be given to you to ensure you stay healthy during your safari.
Yellow fever vaccination is a must for travelers who are one year and older and are coming from countries with a high risk of yellow fever virus transmission.
Rabies vaccination is not highly publicized, but it is important to take it because unexpected events can happen in the wild. Rabies is common in Rwanda, and the vaccine is only available in larger urban medical facilities.
Measles is also common worldwide, and travelers may be at higher risk if not vaccinated at least two weeks before their trip. All medication should be taken on time.
