What Vaccinations Do You Need for Tanzania? 

One of the most asked questions from people heading to Tanzania is what vaccines they might need before boarding the plane. Vaccinations are an important part of traveling because they ensure you stay healthy and comfortable while on vacation. 

This guide will cover all the vaccine recommendations for Tanzania. If you have traveled to other areas of East Africa, you might have all the ones you need already. 

If you have any medical concerns or questions, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider or go to a travel clinic where the doctors can advise you. 

What Vaccines Are Required for Travelling to Tanzania? 

Unless you are coming from a country with Yellow Fever transmission, no vaccines are required to enter Tanzania. If you’re coming from a country with potential Yellow Fever transmission, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination before being able to go through immigration. 

There are other countries in East Africa like Uganda that require Yellow Fever vaccination no matter where you are coming from. Make sure to check all the countries on your East African travel itinerary to see if you need a Yellow Fever vaccine or not. 

COVID-19 vaccines are also not required to travel to Tanzania. It’s your choice whether to get this vaccine or not. 

Routine Vaccines for Tanzania 

It’s important to stay up to date on routine vaccines before traveling. Check the chart below to make sure you’re caught up. 

If you aren’t sure whether your child has completed their series of routine vaccines make sure to take them to the pediatrician before leaving for your Tanzania holiday. 

Adults can choose to receive a booster vaccine for various diseases like MMR and TDAP before leaving. 

Recommended Travel Vaccines for Tanzania 

Tanzania does not require any of these vaccines, but many are recommended for travellers coming from developed nations who might not have had any previous exposure to these diseases. 

Here are some vaccines to consider before leaving for Tanzania. 

What About Malaria? 

There are several areas of Tanzania that are at high risk for malaria transmission. Malaria does not have a vaccine, but there is medication you can take to avoid becoming infected. You can get a prescription for antimalarials before leaving your country. 

Make sure to ask your doctor about the duration you need to take your antimalarials. Some need to be started before your trip and continued after you get home. 

Avoiding Illnesses While in Tanzania

Most diseases while travelling in Tanzania can be easily avoided. Make sure to always eat at restaurants that follow safe food handling practices. You should also wash your hands before every meal. 

If you’re not sure of safe places to eat, ask your safari guide or the reception desk at your hotel. 

You should also avoid drinking tap water. Only drink bottled water. Make sure all iced drinks are made with clean water. It’s also best to avoid juices and smoothies if you aren’t sure how they were prepared. 

Other diseases like malaria are spread by mosquitoes. The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to wear insect spray, especially in the evening. You should also sleep under a mosquito net every night. 

What to Do if You Get Sick While in Tanzania 

Large cities like Arusha and Dar are Salaam have an excellent medical infrastructure. You can expect the same standard of care as you would get in your home country, especially at international hospitals and clinics. 

Many international places take travel medical insurance which can help you if you happen to need a procedure or in-patient services. 

Depending on what your symptoms are, they might take a blood or stool sample. Tanzania has all the same medicines you can expect to find back home so you can easily get treatment for diseases like malaria and typhoid. 

What is the Most Common Illness Among Travellers to Tanzania? 

The good news is that most travellers do not get serious illnesses while in Tanzania. However, it’s common for people to get traveller’s diarrhea, especially if it’s their first trip abroad. 

Traveller’s diarrhea can be treated with anti-diarrheal medicine. If you continue to have symptoms for several days though, you might want to seek medical care to make sure it’s nothing more serious. 

Preparing for Your Trip to Tanzania

If you aren’t sure whether to get vaccines or not, make an appointment at a travel clinic or ask your doctor. They can give you the best advice. They can also give you prescriptions for antimalarials. 

Getting vaccines before travelling is one of the best ways to prevent illnesses. It also allows you to travel worry free!