Health Risks Disclaimer
The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
We, at Sonic HealthPlus, trading as Travelvax and our related companies, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate or error free. You therefore view the following information at your own risk.
You should obtain specific travel health advice in relation to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition and your intended itinerary.
Our staff at travelvax.com.au are trained in the medical travel health area and are able to advise you on your specific individual needs. Please feel free to contact us on 1300 360 164 for assistance.
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About Kenya Vaccinations
With extensive national parks and a wide array of wildlife, tourist facilities are widely available in the capital Nairobi, game parks and reserves, as well as coastal areas, such as Mombasa. Being equatorial, the climate is tropical on the coast but a location’s altitude influences temperature, so highland areas experience cooler weather. The rainy season is from November to May.
Travel Health Alerts
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Yellow Fever
Disease is present. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or over, except as mentioned below.
Generally not recommended(1) for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas: the entire North Eastern Province; the states of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tanariver in the Coastal Province; and the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa.
(1) Yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended in areas where there is low potential for exposure to yellow fever virus. However, vaccination might be considered for a small subset of travellers to these areas, who are at increased risk of exposure to yellow fever virus (e.g. prolonged travel, extensive exposure to mosquitoes, inability to avoid mosquito bites). When considering vaccination, any traveller must take into account the risk of being infected with yellow fever virus, country entry requirements, as well as individual risk factors (e.g. age, immune status) for serious vaccine-associated adverse events.
Travellers arriving in Australia within 6 days of leaving this country require proof of vaccination.
Travelvax note: We recommend that this advice is discussed with a yellow fever licenced practitioner.
Travelvax has doctors who are yellow fever vaccination-accredited. Click here to learn more about Yellow Fever.
COVID-19
For the most up to date requirements for entry into Australia, go to Smartraveller.
Please click this COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA) to view the latest Kenya COVID travel requirements.
Hepatitis A
Risk of Hepatitis A infection is high for all travellers, vaccination recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis A vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Moderate presence of Hepatitis B in local population. Vaccination would be recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis B vaccination.
Typhoid
Moderate risk for most travellers. Vaccination recommended for travel to smaller cities, villages and rural areas outside usual tourist routes. Some medical conditions pre-dispose to infection; whether vaccinations would be recommended should be discussed with a medical practitioner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. To learn more about Typhoid and the available vaccinations, click here.
Influenza
Northern hemisphere winter risk (November to April). Most common vaccine preventable illness in travellers. Vaccine recommended, effective for 1 year. To learn more about the Influenza virus, click here.
Rabies
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. Generally rabies vaccination is advised for high risk individuals such as veterinarians or animal handlers, cavers. Additionally for higher risk travellers who plan: extended periods outdoors, rural travel, adventurous activities including bicycling; also expats or long-term travellers to endemic regions and children (risk of more severe or risk-prone bites and may not report contact at all). Click here to learn more about rabies.
Japanese Encephalitis
No risk to travellers.
Polio
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. The risk to travellers is generally low, however vaccination is recommended for travel to affected regions and is a requirement for travel to/from some countries. If at risk, adults should have a booster to the childhood series. Click here to learn more about Polio.
Additional information:
Following the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus, it is recommended to ensure polio vaccinations are up to date.
Temporary recommendations regarding polio vaccination, which are updated regularly by the WHO, advise that affected states:
- Encourage residents and longterm visitors to receive a dose of IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel; those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within four weeks) should be encouraged to receive a dose at least by the time of departure.
- Ensure that travelers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status..
Tickborne Encephalitis
No risk to travellers.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Sporadic outbreaks of the disease occur. Most travellers are at low risk. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers who have a non-functioning spleen. Click here to learn more about Meningococcal Meningitis.
Cholera
Disease is present, however the risk is low for the majority of travellers. Peace corp, volunteers, refugee workers etc need to consider vaccination. All travellers should take food and water precautions. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. Learn more about Cholera and available vaccinations here.
Other Diseases
Travellers Diarrhoea
High risk. Travellers' Diarrhoea affects 20-60% of overseas travellers, food and water precautions are essential. Self-treatment medications may be recommended.
Insect-borne Diseases
Diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika may be present. Seasonal risk will vary by country. Whether preventive measures will be recommended will depend on itinerary, length of stay, type of travel etc. and needs to be discussed with a medical practitioner. For those countries with disease present, risk is highest in urban and semi-urban areas, but may also occur in rural areas; insect avoidance measures are highly recommended all year round. Travelvax believes that the best defence is to understand their habits, dress properly and use an effective insect repellent in the correct manner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk.
Schistosomiasis
Swimming or bathing in freshwater is the main cause of infection. Avoid freshwater contact if you are unsure of origin. Learn more about Schistosomiasis here.
Altitude
Altitude illness is a risk to travellers ascending higher than 2000 meters. Preventative medication is available. Consult a medical practitioner if ascending to 2000 metres or above. Click here to learn more about Altitude illness.
Additional Information
Personal Safety
In order to check before and during travel for any high-risk areas visit the Smartraveller website. Avoid unnecessary displays of wealth or valuables and minimise the amounts of cash carried. Keep secure records of passport/credit card/licence numbers. For more safety tips visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au.
Medical Care
Limited medical facilities available. Unless travelling with a well-equipped organisation, a high level of self-sufficiency in terms of first aid kits and sterile equipment is recommended. An evacuation contingency should be a part of your travel insurance. Check for any contacts supplied by your emergency assistance organisation (nominated by your travel insurer) or with IAMAT (International Association of Medical Assistance for Travellers).
First Aid Kits & Accessories
Always carry an advanced first aid kit, including needles and syringes (shortages of sterile equipment are common). A prescription kit (containing treatments for travellers' diarrhoea) is essential. A mosquito net and insect repellent (containing DEET, Citriodiol or Picaridin) are highly recommended, even if anti-malarials are taken.
Call 1300 360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.
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