Benin Travel Vaccines and Advice
Benin is a small West African nation, lying between Togo and Nigeria. The country offers an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from lagoons and beaches surrounded by palm trees in the South, to hills covered with wooded savannas in the Center and arid mountains home to lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants in the North. As many other African countries, Benin has a tortured history. The country has been used as a huge slave-trading hub for almost three centuries, sending countless African people to Brazil. Birthplace of Voodoo, Benin has a rich and complex culture, combining traditions of dozens of different ethnic groups.
HEALTH INFORMATION FOR bENIN
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.
BENIN – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| 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. |
| Cholera | Vaccine recommended for persons traveling to an area of active transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| 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. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: |
| 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. |
| 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 FOR tRAVELLING TO BENIN
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE iN bENIN
Benin provides very precarious health care. A severe lack of trained health professionals, a rudimentary infrastructure, highly corrupt medical staff and frequent shortages of basic medicines are serious issues in the country. Benin has public hospitals as well as private clinics and medical practices. Among the more modern medical centers, the Cotonou National University Hospital is the best choice if you need medical care. Located at the heart of the capital city, it offers different specialized services. But don’t expect high quality care.
In case of emergency, you can call an ambulance at 30 46 52.
Access to quality drugs is poor in Benin, so be sure to bring a complete medical kit with you in the country.
SECURITY ABROAD
Border crossing
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 117
- medical assistance: +229 21 30 17 69 or +229 21 30 06 56
- firefighters: 118
