travelhealth

Vaccination information

STAYING HEALTHY IN KENYA Click here to find out how to stay healthy on our trip, the do’s and don’t’s of eating and drinking, and more.

VACCINES FAQ
What vaccines do we need? FIRST CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR to decide which shots you might need, based on your plans, shot history and insurance. You can also get a consultation at the UVa Traveler’s Clinic. See the CDC and MDTravelHealth websites to help you decide. There are no required vaccines to enter Kenya. Some vaccines are highly recommended, as well as malaria prevention medications:

Recommended Immunizations (from MDTravelHealth and CDC’s websites):
*Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers
*Typhoid Recommended for all travelers
*Yellow fever Recommended for all travelers greater than nine months of age
Hepatitis B For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents,
especially if visiting for more than 6 months (blood/body fluid -borne)

Routine Immunizations: You also should be up to date on “routine vaccines”, such as:
MMR Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-dip. Revaccination recommended every 10 years
Polio One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed
the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult

Prescriptions needed:
Malaria: Malarone* (newest, taken daily, fewest side effects), Lariam (weekly, more side effects), or doxycycline
(cheapest) is recommended. NOTE: Kenya is home to the chloroquine-resistant strain of malaria as well as   several others. Make sure your doctor or travel clinic knows you are traveling to Kenya (don't just say Africa) so   s/he can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication.
Antibiotic for Traveler’s Diarrhea: ie, Cipro

How can I find out more?
Centers for Disease Control offers very detailed information about Kenya travel health precautions.
MDTravelHealth: another very user-friendly site with comprehensive information.

When do we need to get our shots? 4-6 months before travel will give you enough time to consult with your doctor, schedule your vaccines and order prescriptions.

Where can we get our shots? The Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Dept. offers travel vaccines at good prices and they work with Anthem/BCBS. The UVA Traveler’s Clinic is another option, however they do not work with insurance companies and there may be a office visit fee. See “Getting your shots” for a comparison of services and contact information.

What will it cost? CALL YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER, as everyone’s benefits and needs are different. Check for coverage for the vaccines, as well as coverage for malaria meds (Malarone or Lariam are the two most common) and for Cipro (or similar), an antibiotic to treat traveler’s diarrhea. Many of the vaccines may be considered routine and be fully covered -- Hep A, Hep B, Tetanus, and MMR, for example. Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Polio may be considered Travel Vaccines and are less likely to be covered. See “Getting your shots” for a prices without insurance coverage.

Go to Getting your shots.
Go to Staying healthy in Kenya.