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 Zambia Vaccinations
Bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and Zaire, Zambia is situated mostly on a high plateau, which is up to 1,500m above sea level. Humidity is quite low except during the rainy season (Nov-Apr) and temperatures rarely exceed 32°C. Temperatures range from 32°C in October and November to16°C in June and July. Annual rainfall averages 86cm.
Travel Health Alerts
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Yellow Fever
Country requirement at entry: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
WHO vaccination recommendation: in general, no.
Generally not recommended (1) for travellers going to the following areas: the entire North West and Western provinces.
Not recommended for all other areas not listed above.
(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.
Travelvax note: We recommend that travellers with this itinerary discuss the information 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 Zambia 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
Year round risk present. 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 - see below. 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
Low risk to travellers.
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.
STIs
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne diseases occur. The risk to travellers can be greatly reduced by practising safe sex with any new partner. All travellers should carry condoms. Blood borne diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C) can be spread by blood transfusion, tattooing, body piercing or non-sterile needles. Travellers in high risk groups should carry sterile needles (see also Medical Care). Understand the symptoms and how to prevent STIs 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
Comprehensive medical facilities available only in the major population centres and/or specific private clinics. Sterile surgical products (syringes/needles/sutures) are not always available. 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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