Travel clinic Tanzania
Travel health and vaccine advice for Tanzania
Tanzania Wild, naturally sublime, culturally fascinating, Tanzania is an African jewel. Lying within the Eastern Great Lakes region, Tanzania hosts many treasures, from the unique cichlid fish of the Lake Tanganyika to the idyllic Zanzibar island and the mythical snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. But Tanzania is above all the land of safaris par excellence. Endless savannas dotted with lone acacias are home to a biodiversity among the richest on the continent. Elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs and black rhinoceroses freely roam Tanzania, sharing the country with Maasai warriors, nomadic Barabaig and countless other intriguing ethnic groups.

HEALTH INFORMATION

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

TANZANIA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

The Yellow Fever Vaccine A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country.
Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details.
It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure.
For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website:
https://www.who.int/ith/ith-country-list.pdf
Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B Recommended for all travelers.
Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever Recommended for all travelers.
Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose.
Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough):  1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32).
*Only applicable for Quebec.
Polio One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only).
Measles – Rubella – Mumps Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Meningitis Recommended for all travellers during the season(s). Consider immunization for specific groups or itineraries outside the dry season
Flu – Influenza Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) Recommended for all travelers
African Tick Bite Fever Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites.
Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
Schistosomiasis Avoid swimming in fresh water.
Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
Malaria Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional.
Cholera Recommended for humanitarian workers, health care providers and/or adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.
Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Antimalarials Recommended Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine
Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS) – Mt Kilimanjaro- 5,895m
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

In Tanzania, the health care system remains inefficient. Severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment are occurring in both public and private medical facilities. If you need medical assistance while traveling in Tanzania, it is advised that you go to the Aga Khan Hospital or to the TMJ Hospital, located in Dar Es Salaam. The IST Clinic, the Nordic Clinic in Dar Es Salaam and the Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha can also be quoted. But if you require more than basic medical care, an air evacuation to another country is indispensable.
If you need an ambulance in Tanzania, you can call the Knight Support Emergency Services at 255 22 276 0087 – 9.
Pharmacies in Tanzania are not well stocked. To avoid nasty surprises, don’t forget to bring your own basic medicines and potential specific treatments in sufficient quantities when traveling to the country.

SECURITY ABROAD

Travel near refugee camps in northwestern Tanzania, particularly in the region of Kigoma and to the west of Kagera bordering Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, is dangerous due to banditry.

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CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

 

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