Travelling to Mozambique? Need Vaccinations?
Mozambique is a southeast African country that contains rich natural resources and is bordered by the Indian Ocean as well as South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Swaziland. Although there are African languages spoken here, the official language of the country is Portuguese, left over form the Portuguese colonisation in 1505. Mozambique is the 35th largest country in the world and is home to the majestic Zambezi river and the magnificent lake Malawi. If you are looking for something to bring home, try a traditional wood carving, which Mozambique is well known for.
What Vaccinations do I need for Travel to Mozambique?
Make sure that you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations before heading off. The following vaccinations are recommended for most travellers to Mozambique.
Diphtheria Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Tetanus Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Polio Vaccine (Given as the combined DTP Vaccine)
Hepatitis A Vaccination
In addition, depending upon your itinerary, where you are travelling, length of travel and your occupational and lifestyle risks, you may also require vaccinations for the following:
Typhoid Vaccination
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Cholera Vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Have a look at our pricing table for information about the cost of the travel vaccinations required for Mozambique. If you are travelling around in the region, have a look at the vaccination requirements for the other countries that you intend to visit as recommendations differ from country to country.
Further Travel Health Advice for Mozambique
Malaria
Malaria precautions are strongly advised for travel to Mozambique. This is considered a malarial high risk country. Talk to our travel nurse who will be best able to advise you. Taking reasonable steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is always advisable to give yourself the greatest protection against infection.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever precautions should be taken for travel to Mozambique. Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites from a specific mosquito, which seems to be most active during daylight. There is no medical protection against dengue fever. What you can do is try to avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent. Our travel nurse will be best able to advise you.
Schistomiasis
Schistomiasis is a flatworm infection. You can get it through contact with affected fresh water streams, rivers or lakes. If you think you may have been exposed to or have contacted Schistomiasis, seek professional medical help.
Heat and Humidity
Mozambique is said to have two season, wet and dry. Please check the weather for the period you are travelling as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions for the season you are travelling to Mozambique in.
Water Safe
Tap water is considered unsafe to drink here. Either drink bottled water or confirm the water source with the place you are staying as some hotels provide water from a fresh, safe water source.
Food and Drink
Cassava and cashews are widely used in Mozambique and due to the Portuguese influence, so are rich and aromatic spices. Naturally being bordered by the Indian Ocean means an abundant supply of delicious fish, which combined with the spices make for unique and interesting seafood dishes for you to try.
Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Dengue Fever and Malaria both spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for dengue fever and malaria is listed above.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while abroad
Personal Safety
If you plan to hire a vehicle or to take part in any sporting activities then always think of your own safety first. Road conditions are not great in Mozambique so please bear this in mind. There have been warning that women should not walk alone on beaches recently, so please be aware and always check with the place you are staying as to what safety precautions you need to take.