Guinea Vaccines & Travel Advice
Among the greenest countries in Africa, Guinea (not to be mistaken with Guinea-Bissau) is blessed with the most stunning nature, representing the whole West Africa in a nutshell. Mountain ranges, lush jungles, plains covered with interlaced savannas and grasslands… Ecosystems in Guinea are highly diverse. Although poaching is responsible for the loss of some emblematic species like elephants, it is still possible to spot interesting animals, in Badiar National Park for example. Loose and Alcatraz islands are home to giant turtles and numerous birds. Some idyllic beaches can be found on Guinea’s shores. Unfortunately, given a regular unstable political situation in the country, very few tourists travel to Guinea.
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.
GUINEA – 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. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats. 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 | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| 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. |
| 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- |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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
Access to quality medical care is limited in Guinea. The most basic health care is not always available, especially outside of Conakry. The medical infrastructure in Guinea is insufficient. Shortages of medicines are frequent in the country and the medical equipment is inadequate. Endless waiting times in unsanitary conditions are a common occurrence in public hospitals. Be aware that foreigners are likely to be victim of a scam in these establishments. The University Teaching Donka Hospital, located in the capital city, is the main public facility in the country, but it is advised that you turn to private clinics if you need medical assistance in Guinea, given the problems encountered in the public sector.
In case of emergency in Conakry, you can contact the French Embassy’s medico social center at 30.47.10.36, the Pasteur Clinic at 30.43.00.74/75/76 or the Ambroise Pare Clinic at 30.41.13.68 or 63.35.10.10. For pediatric emergencies, call 60.21.73.25 or 60.21.17.81 or 60.21.21.90.
Access to quality medicines is very limited in Guinea. Be sure to bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities.
SECURITY ABROAD
Demonstrations are taking place in Conakry and across the country.
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 122
- firefighters: 1717
