South Africa is a fun and vibrant travel destination, but like any other country you are required to take precautions for your health to prepare for exposure to new foods, new bacteria and new climates. 

It is of utmost importance to protect yourself against infectious diseases during your travels, hence we have a list of recommendations for vaccinations to travel to South Africa.We will provide you with a general recommendation of what precautions you can take, although we strongly suggest that you check with your local doctor to tell you exactly what is needed (as the health status of any country can quickly change). 

Vaccinations required:

Yellow Fever Vaccine: 

The only mandatory vaccine at the time of writing this article is a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you are arriving from a country that is at risk for yellow fever or if you are in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country with risk of transmission. At risk countries include the yellow fever belt of Africa and the South Americas.   

Other Vaccines (Which are not required but advised if applicable)

• measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine
• Yearly flu shot.
• Hepatitis A & Typhoid Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• Malaria Vaccine
• Rabies Vaccine
• Tetanus Vaccine

In the unfortunate event that you may still require a doctor while in South Africa, medical care In Urban areas are above average and quite easy to find. You can also request healthcare information from your hotel or guest house where you are staying as management will have a better idea of the best local services available. While healthcare is also available in rural areas, there may be a language barrier as the healthcare providers may not speak english.

Life Pro Tip: Carry a medical kit if possible for smaller health issues such as pain, wounds, coughing, colds and indigestion. 

And remember, your local doctor will be able to help you with medical expertise and assess your individual health issues before recommending any vaccinations to you. Here’s wishing you healthy, happy travels in South Africa.