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Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC

Q: I am visiting South Africa (Jo'burg, Cape Town,) then flying into Nairobi, Kenya and going onto Arusha in Tanzania (visiting Serengetti National Park, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater). My local GP says I don't need Yellow Fever or Cholera - is this correct? He said I only required Vivaxim Syrum Vaccination and Malaria tablets to be taken whilst there.

With thanks, Elizabeth.

 

A:  The GP is unfortunately not correct. Many GPs are not up-to-date with travel medicine information. Yellow fever is recommended, and your International Certificate of Vaccination would be required to be shown on re-entering Australia to our authorities if you are within 6 days of being in Kenya and Tanzania. Cholera is not routinely required, but can be used to reduce travellers diarrhoea risk. Other vaccinations are relevant too, and for the most appropriate and up-to-date advice and all the vaccines and medications, you need to visit our clinic. See you soon!

Dr Kristin

 

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