What Vaccinations Do You Need for Kenya and Tanzania? (2025 Travel Health Guide)

Planning to visit Kenya or Tanzania? Alongside booking flights, booking accommodation, and more, one of the most important steps is ensuring you're medically prepared — and that starts with getting the right vaccinations.

This summary outlines exactly which vaccines are required or recommended for travel to Kenya and Tanzania.

Summary: Recommended Vaccinations for Travel to Kenya or Tanzania

Vaccine	Required?	Recommended?
Yellow Fever	If coming from endemic area	Yes
Hepatitis A	No	Yes
Hepatitis B	No	Yes (especially for clinical exposure)
Typhoid	No	Yes
Tdap (Tetanus)	No	Yes
Rabies	No	Optional (for long-term or rural travel)
COVID-19	No	Optional
Malaria Medication	Not a vaccine	Yes

Detailed Information on Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (Required in Some Cases)

Status: Sometimes required, always recommended

Required if: You're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever-endemic country (even for a short layover).
Recommended for: All travelers over 9 months of age.

Kenya and Tanzania DO NOT require yellow fever vaccination for travelers coming directly from the U.S., UK, Canada, or EU. However, if you’ve passed through a country like Ethiopia, Uganda, or Brazil en route, you’ll need to present proof of vaccination.

Tip: The Yellow Fever vaccine provides lifetime protection. Get it well in advance, and make sure it’s noted on your official International Certificate of Vaccination (the “yellow card”).

Hepatitis A

Status: Highly recommended

Transmitted through contaminated food or water
Especially relevant if you're eating local cuisine or working in clinical settings

Interns in East Africa are encouraged to get Hep A due to risk of exposure through food, water, or close community interactions.

Hepatitis B

Status: Highly recommended for healthcare interns

Spread through contact with blood or body fluids
Essential for anyone working in hospitals or handling patients

Most healthcare students already have this series, but confirm your immunity through a blood test or booster if needed.

Typhoid

Status: Recommended

Transmitted via food and water
Available as an injection (good for 2 years) or oral capsules (good for 5 years)

Given that you’ll likely eat outside of your intern housing or travel on weekends, this is a smart precaution.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap)

Status: Strongly recommended

Ensure your booster is up to date (within the last 10 years)
Required if you’ll be in settings with wound exposure or trauma care

Even if you’re not in a surgical rotation, it’s essential for general travel and safety.

Rabies (Optional but Considered for Long-Term Interns)

Status: Optional for most; considered for longer stays (4+ weeks)

East Africa has occasional cases of rabid dogs and monkeys
Healthcare workers with extended stays in rural areas may consider pre-exposure vaccination
Post-exposure treatment is available locally but may be delayed

Discuss this with your travel doctor if you're planning extended rural travel or community outreach work.

Malaria (Not a Vaccine, But Important!)

There is no vaccine required for malaria (unless you're a child or getting the new RTS,S shot), but it’s essential to take antimalarial medication while in Kenya or Tanzania.

Common options include:

Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) – well tolerated, taken daily
Doxycycline – also daily, may cause sun sensitivity
Mefloquine – weekly, but with potential neuropsychiatric side effects

Your doctor will help you choose the best option based on your health profile and length of stay.

Also pack insect repellent, long sleeves, and a bed net (if not already provided by your program).

COVID-19

While not required for entry as of 2025, some institutions still recommend or require COVID-19 vaccination (for healthcare workers).

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

Start your travel health appointments at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses or need time to become fully effective.

Most students use their university health clinic, local travel medicine clinic, or public health department to get vaccinated. Check what's covered by your insurance and what may require out-of-pocket payment.

Does Go Elective Help with This?

Yes — while Go Elective does not administer vaccines, all participants receive:

Pre-departure guidance with a checklist of recommended vaccinations
Visa and health entry info based on your nationality and route
In-country support to help you access clinics or pharmacies if needed
Safe housing and mosquito nets provided for malaria prevention

Learn more on our intern preparation page, contact hello@goelective.com or ask your coordinator directly once you’ve booked your program.

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