Vaccination Requirements

Essential health information and vaccination requirements for traveling to Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

Required: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Tanzania if you're arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever endemic country.

• Valid for 10 years
• Must be administered at least 10 days before travel
• You'll need to show your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at immigration
• Even if not required, it's strongly recommended for all travelers

Important Note

Requirements can change, and some countries may require proof of yellow fever vaccination even if Tanzania doesn't. Check with your embassy and travel clinic for the most current requirements.

Highly Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis A

Recommended for all travelers. Can be contracted through contaminated food or water.

Schedule: Two doses, 6-12 months apart, or combined with Hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, or for longer stays.

Schedule: Three doses over 6 months, or accelerated schedule available.

Typhoid

Recommended for all travelers. Can be contracted through contaminated food or water.

Schedule: Injectable (one dose) or oral (4 capsules). Injectable lasts 2 years, oral lasts 5 years.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)

Ensure you're up to date. Important for any travel, especially if you might have cuts or injuries.

Schedule: Booster every 10 years, or Tdap if you haven't had pertussis component.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Ensure you're up to date, especially if born after 1957. Two doses typically required.

Meningitis

Consider if traveling during dry season (December-June) when risk is higher.

Rabies

Consider if you'll be in remote areas or have extended stays. Pre-exposure vaccination simplifies post-exposure treatment.

Schedule: Three doses over 3-4 weeks.

Malaria Prevention

Important: Tanzania is a malaria-endemic country. While Kilimanjaro itself (above 2,000m) is generally malaria-free, you'll likely spend time in Moshi, Arusha, or on safari where malaria risk exists.

Malaria Prophylaxis

Consult with a travel medicine specialist about malaria prophylaxis. Common options include:

•Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): Taken daily, start 1-2 days before travel, continue during stay, and for 7 days after return. Generally well-tolerated.
•Doxycycline: Taken daily, start 1-2 days before travel, continue during stay, and for 4 weeks after return. Can cause sun sensitivity.
•Mefloquine (Lariam): Taken weekly, start 1-2 weeks before travel, continue during stay, and for 4 weeks after return. May have side effects.

Additional Prevention Measures

•Use insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin
•Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially at dawn and dusk
•Sleep under mosquito nets if not in air-conditioned rooms
•Use permethrin-treated clothing for additional protection

When to Get Vaccinated

Timeline Recommendation

Start 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for all vaccinations to take effect and to complete any multi-dose series.

6+ weeks:Ideal - allows time for all vaccines and any side effects

4-6 weeks:Good - most vaccines can be completed

2-4 weeks:Minimum - some vaccines may need accelerated schedules

Less than 2 weeks:Still get what you can - some protection is better than none

Where to Get Vaccinated

•Travel Medicine Clinics: Specialized clinics that understand travel health requirements
•Your Doctor: May be able to provide some vaccines, but may refer you to a travel clinic
•Public Health Departments: Often provide travel vaccinations
•Pharmacies: Some pharmacies offer travel vaccinations

Other Health Considerations

Traveler's Diarrhea

Common in developing countries. Prevention and treatment:

• Drink only bottled or purified water
• Avoid ice, raw vegetables, and unpeeled fruits
• Eat only well-cooked food
• Consider bringing anti-diarrheal medication
• Stay hydrated if diarrhea occurs

Altitude Considerations

While not a vaccination issue, discuss altitude sickness prevention with your doctor. Some medications (like Diamox) may be recommended for altitude acclimatization. This should be discussed with a healthcare provider familiar with high-altitude medicine.

Personal Medications

• Bring sufficient supply of all prescription medications
• Keep medications in original containers with labels
• Carry a copy of prescriptions
• Bring a basic first aid kit
• Consider bringing antibiotics for traveler's diarrhea (with doctor's prescription)

Important Medical Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and should not replace professional medical advice. Vaccination requirements and recommendations can change, and individual health circumstances vary. Always consult with a qualified travel medicine specialist or your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks before travel to receive personalized recommendations based on your health history, itinerary, and current health advisories.