I vaccinated a couple recently who are going away with Travelsphere...South Africa and Victoria Falls. Latest recommendations are

Diptheria/Polio/Tetanus (one vaccine called Revaxis)

Hepatitis A and Typhoid (one vaccine called Viatim or alternatively Hepatyrix) The typhoid is not really necessary for SA but advisable for Zambia)

Other vaccines such as hep B and rabies are if you are going off the beaten track or, in the case of rabies, more than 24 hours away from medical attention and a reliable source of immunoglobulin.

Yellow fever only necessary if entering from an infected area ie South America or Africa. In the case of going to Zambia it is only deemed necessary if going into remote jungle areas.

Malaria....main risks are in Kruger and Zambia so you should not need to be on tablets for the whole trip, just the latter part. Malarone are perfect for a trip such as this.

The reason I am so interested in this, I am almost ready to book this trip for May 2009.

http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk 

This website should clarify things for you, it's the public version of the professional website I use at work. This info from me is guidance only, of course it will be necessary to consult your GP or travel nurse.

Janice

Hi Cheryl!

I'm going to go back and talk to my GP again. And you're right - it's best to be safe.

Thanks,

Warm wishes,

Jeannie

Hi Jeannie,

I am afraid I can only give you the same advice as you have already had. Looking at information on the internet I have experienced 50/50 feedback. Some sites say that they reccommend you have the vaccination whilst some say that you only require it if entering from a yellow fever endemic area. If you have already spoken to yor GP regarding the yellow fever vaccination and he has advised you dont need it, then you should be fine. However, just to put your mind at rest, maybe you should get it as a procaution. I am sorry if I havent been much help, but as you can imagine i do have to be very careful as to what I advise to our customers...far too precious!!!

Please let me know what you decide to do as I am sure there are a few other travellers in your position, wondering what to do for the best.

Warm regards

Cheryl, your editor

Hi Cheryl!

I am booked to go to South Africa with Just You in October. All the enquiries I have made with South African Department of health and my own GP tells me that the yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only when entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone. I have checked what countries are included in the zone and neither Swaziland nor Zambia are included. Whilst I am keen to stay safe and maintain others' safety, I am reluctant to expose myself to unnecessary vaccinations.

I would be grateful if you could clarify this.

Many thanks,

Jeannie

Hi Lesley,

I have looked into this for you and the following vaccinations are essential for your trip.......

Diphtheria

Hepatitis A

Malaria

Polio

Tetanus

Typhoid

Yellow Fever

The following vaccinations are recommended but optional......

Hepatitis B

Rabies

For the yellow fever vaccination, you may need to supply an International certificate for Vaccination (please ask your nurse/doctor)

I hope this helps

Kind regards

Cheryl, your editor

Hi Cheryl, my dad and I have started our injections in preparation for our trip with you in September but we have conflicting information - should we have the Yellow fever injection (we have the add-on trip to Zambia) and dad has been advised to have the nasty Rabies injection - which I dont like the sound of!

Also what is the best way to take money with us.

Please can you advise!

Thanks