Major FAQ-Kenya

Immunizations/Vaccinations

IFRE closely follows the Center for Disease Control's traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov ). Discuss your travel plans and personal health with your healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are necessary.

Recommended Vaccinations

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa - including Kenya

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
  
  
• Hepatitis B especially if you might be exposed to blood or bodily fluids (for example, healthcare workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. The Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series of vaccines as infants.
  
  
• your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa , including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription anti-malarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to East Africa .
  
  
• Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June, (see see Map 4-9 on the Meningoccocal Disease page ).
  
  
• Rabies , pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
  
  
• Typhoid vaccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors.
  
  
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria , measles , and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.

Required Vaccinations

• A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in East Africa . For detailed information, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country . Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccine center.