Vaccinations & Health for Tanzania

Routine vaccinations

Make sure you're up to date on the usual ones:

• ›MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• ›Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)
• ›Varicella (chickenpox) and polio
• ›Seasonal influenza

Yellow fever — and when it's mandatory

Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from — or have spent more than 12 hours transiting — a country with yellow fever risk. A single dose gives lifelong immunity and you receive the 'Yellow Card' (International Certificate), valid 10 days after vaccination.

If you arrive from a risk country without the certificate you can be denied entry or quarantined, so check your routing carefully and carry the card.

Recommended vaccinations

• ›Hepatitis A and typhoid — spread via contaminated food and water
• ›Hepatitis B — recommended, especially for longer stays
• ›Rabies — consider it for remote or outdoor-heavy trips
• ›Cholera and meningococcal meningitis — situational; ask your clinic

Malaria — no vaccine, prevention is essential

Tanzania, including the areas around Kilimanjaro, is malaria-endemic. There's no vaccine, so take anti-malarial medication as prescribed and prevent bites: insect repellent, long sleeves in the evening, and mosquito nets where provided.

Before you go

See a travel clinic 4–6 weeks ahead, discuss altitude medication (Diamox) if you're climbing, pack a small kit for traveller's diarrhoea, and stay well hydrated throughout your trip.