Zambia
Zambia is a truly mesmerizing country, offering a glimpse into the genuine Southern Africa, away from the tourist crowds. Zambia is incredibly wild, almost untouched. You won’t find any fences here. Elephants, lions, antelopes and zebras roam free across the whole country. Zambia is a land of ultra-rewarding safaris, with no traffic jams in the Savannah, as it is sometimes the case in some over popular safari-destinations. Several great rivers flow through Zambia, blessing the country with spectacular waterfalls, like the widely renowned Victoria Falls. Zambia’s population is a fascinating mix of numerous ethnic groups, giving the traveler the opportunity to experience authentic African cultures.
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.
ZAMBIA – 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- |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
In Zambia, medical care is extremely limited, especially in public hospitals. Note that there are a few private clinics offering acceptable care in Lusaka and other major cities. The Coptic Hospital, the Saint John’s Medical Center and the Lusaka Trust Hospital can be quoted. These establishments are of satisfying quality if you need basic medical care, but in the event of serious sickness or injury, an air evacuation to another country is required.
If you need an ambulance in Zambia, you can contact the Specialty Emergency Services at +260 96 274 03 00.
Basic medicines of adequate quality can be accessed in major cities in Zambia, but are impossible to find in rural areas. It is thus indispensable that you bring your own drugs and potential specific treatments in sufficient quantities.
SECURITY ABROAD
Civil unrest
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
There is no centralized number to reach emergency services outside of Lusaka. If you are in Lusaka dial:
- police: 991
- medical assistance: 991 or 995
- firefighters: 993
For all other areas, research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.
