Buckshot85
WKR
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2019
For you folks that have hunted South Africa or a neighboring province, is it still a necessity to get certain vaccinations before going?
I've been to Africa 6 times hunting and traveling in 5 different countries. Don't rely on what your outfitter tells you. He's almost assuredly not a qualified medical practitioner. I would even caution relying on your regular general practitioner. Mine did a half assed search while I was there for a physical and after he did a bit of head scratching I said I'd get back to him as time neared and made my way out.
Go to a qualified travel clinic. They will be up to date on malaria areas, Typhoid areas, Yellow Fever requirements (you don't want to arrive in an African country and be told they have to administer a Yellow Fever vaccine before they let you enter), etc., and they will be able to get Typhoid vaccine and the like easier (if needed) and also provide you with a Yellow Vaccine Card if you are traveling to countries that require it. They will also be helpful in determining which malaria prevention is best for you and what side effects and precautions to take with each.
As for what vaccines and medications I've had, I've had Hep A & B, Typhoid vaccine twice (as there was an outbreak in areas I was going to be in), tetanus booster, polio booster and malaria (Malarone) on all but one trip (but really only needed it on three trips as I was not in malaria areas on the others). I've not had the Yellow Fever vaccine but it may now be required in one or two of the countries I've been to.
It can sound like a lot but if you are not going to malarial areas, it's really nothing other than a few shots and boosters. Have fun and good hunting.
We had to get Hep A and Hep B. Also malaria shots. Brought paper work with us. Our county health department specialist was on top of her game. She looked up travel info with the CDC. We told her where we were going a she gave us a packet of info for South Africa and surrounding countries.
We had to get Hep A and Hep B. Also malaria shots. Brought paper work with us. Our county health department specialist was on top of her game. She looked up travel info with the CDC. We told her where we were going a she gave us a packet of info for South Africa and surrounding countries.