South Africa
South Africa occupies the tip of Southern Africa with Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique as its neighbours.
Travel vaccinations for South Africa
If you are planning a holiday anywhere in Africa, you’ll likely need some immunisations. Your vaccinations for South Africa must include routine vaccinations – MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella) and DTaP (Diphtheria and tetanus) – as well as other specific South Africa vaccinations depending on your style of travel and other factors.
South Africa is increasing in popularity as a tourist destination, with the creative city of Cape Town and the famous wines along the Western Cape, drawing more people every year. It is a very dynamic country with a mix of developed and underdeveloped parts and there is a wide gulf between the two. Because of this, a travel health specialist can help you figure out the types of injections for South Africa that you’ll need.
We recommend getting your jabs for South Africa 6-8 weeks before your trip but we also have walk-in appointments and a specialised team to help if you’re outside this timeframe.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | MMR, Course of Two | £49 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Revaxis, Single Dose | £39 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhim Vi, Single Dose | £49 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Epaxyl, Single Dose | £80 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | EnergixB, Course of Three | £55 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabipur, Course of Three | £65 |
Risk of malaria in South Africa
Malaria is spread by the plasmodium parasite passed to humans from the bite of an anopheles mosquito. Malaria is a serious illness with symptoms include fever, chills, sweats and flu like symptoms. In severe cases, malaria can be fatal. There isn’t currently a vaccine available for our travellers, although there are other ways to protect yourself.
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practising mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellent such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
Risk of yellow fever in South Africa
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Additional travel risks for South Africa
Heat and humidity
The South African climate is mostly temperate, with extreme heat in the South-West, coastal regions. Summer temperatures can rise to 33 or higher. Remember to apply sunblock (SPV at least 15). See Heat and Sunburn for further information.
Personal safety
South Africa has a high level of crime. Travellers to tourist regions are generally safe, and the authorities give high priority to the safety of tourists. Incidents of break-ins and robberies are common. Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling to South Africa.
Travelling with children
The entry requirements for South Africa are such that immigration officials can ask to see the birth certificate of any child you are travelling with, particularly if the parent’s surnames are different. While this has been relaxed and is less common for British nationals to be asked, it’s good to be aware that it could happen as part of your entry requirements.
Animals
Street dogs and cats are not uncommon in South Africa. If you get bitten or scratched, you will need to get urgent medical attention. Animal bites expose you to a range of infections including rabies.
Food and drink
South Africa’s food is delicious and varied, from the cuisine of different indigenous peoples, as well as food brought over, created and merged during the various waves of colonisation.
We thoroughly recommend checking out all the different types of local cuisine, but be aware that contamination is a possibility. In 2018, South Africa experienced one of the world’s worst outbreaks of food contamination. Get the right vaccinations for South Africa that you need for your type of trip and don’t eat anywhere that doesn’t look sanitary.
