Africa - Vaccinations for Malawi

Hi all. One of the family is going on a school trip to Malawi in a few months. The blurb from the school recommends that he has Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diptheria.

But they also say that (dependent on Doctor's advice) he might also have to Hepatitis B, Typhiod, Tuberculosis, Cholera and Rabies. Not sure what 'Doctor's advice' means.

But I am confused. I thought it would be more clear what he should have. :confused:

Anyone had any experience of Malawi travel and want to share what they had to have as vaccinations?

As always, thanks in advance for any useful information. :)

BA or bust

Is he only going to be in Lilongwe? Or out in remote areas?

Surprised they didn't mention Yellow Fever. That is probably the only mandatory one to get. Tetanus is important anywhere in the world, usually once ever 10 years.

If it were my kid, I would take him to a really good doctor who knows how to ask for expert advice, as well as give a full evaluation on the current health of the kid.

Malawi isn't a Yellow Fever country - much to my surprise.

Apart from anti-malarials (and there's a decent thread thrashing that issue out elsewhere) it seems like your meds and vaccinations have been well advised - and your Doctor will give you the professional advice.

Malawi isn't a Yellow Fever country - much to my surprise.

OK, but how will you get to and from Malawi? Many of the other airports in Africa require a yellow fever cert if you are coming from another African country. For example, if you fly from Europe to Kenya, you don't need the cert. But if you then fly from Kenya to South Africa, you do need the cert. And if you go from Africa to India, you need the cert, etc.

Typhoid vaccine is a very good idea for almost anywhere in the developing world. Also, a one-time adult booster of polio vaccine.

You might want to check on whether there is a recent outbreak of meningitis in that region, too. I find cdc.gov to be reliable (and it is what most doctors will check).

Also, despite what the government of Malawi has claimed at times, there is bilharzia in Lake Malawi. If one swims in the lake (which almost everyone will), it is best to avoid reedy areas and to towel off vigorously immediately on getting out of the water. Get a blood test 6 months after the trip to see if you've contracted this (treatable) disease.

I think you should get all the vaccines mentioned, including yellow fever.

Not sure what doctor's advice means.

The only one that may be not worth getting is rabies -- the vaccine is not a substitute for getting rabies shots upon suspicion of contact with a rabies-infected animal. Instead, that vaccines buys one a bit of time to get those shots; it may therefore only be recommended for people who will be really off the grid.

Better safe than sorry so would recommend getting the vaccinations. Yellow fever only important if your child then flies into South Africa via East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda). They do not require a yellow fever certificate if flying straight from Malawi.
Probably of more importance than the vaccinations is making sure your child starts anti-malarial medication prior to and continues it during their trip.
Otherwise, hope they have a great time. Malawi is a beautiful country!

I got all the shots and meds that were recommended. Additional to the anti-malarial pills, I'd recommend bringing some mosquito repellent (e.g., Off!) just for extra protection. Not all hotel rooms I've been in had mosquito nets while I was there.

The nice thing about yellow fever vaccinations is they are good for ten years - if you arrive somewhere they are required and do not have one, you might get a pinch from a less than pristine needle.

I second the bilharzia / schistosomiasis recommendation - too many places like to tell visitors there is none (Lake Malawi is one, Lake Chala in Kenya / Tanzania is another,) when in fact there is.

Good places to check for vaccination and prophylactic suggestions:

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers - www.iamat.org

U S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/travel

Public Health Agency of Canada - http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/pub-eng.php

UK National Health Service (Scotland) - www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk