What's the truth about what this vaccine offers? Will I be in danger without it or not?
The reason I'm in two minds is because I won't be going anywhere particularly rural, but I don't know for certain where it's possible to get emergency treatment fast! The vaccine costs £120 and isn't even preventative... I've also heard that the idea that it gives you more time to get treatment is a myth. Is it true that if you get it, you don't need an immunoglobin jab after being bitten, and that this is the treatment jab that's hardest to come by? Even the medical sites I've been on can't agree!
If it helps, I'll be going to Nairobi, Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and perhaps Arusha, as well as safari tours to the Serengeti/Masai Mara and the lakes, perhaps another safari near Mombasa. I'll be there for a good few months!
Can anybody help? Thanks so much in advance!!
Reply to this I'm also wondering about whether I should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B, if anyone knows about it... that's the one other course of jabs I'm missing!
Reply to this Hello Francis and welcome to Travelblog!
I'd definitely get the Hepatitis B shot, it can sometimes be combined with a Hep A one, and if you get three within a certain period (cannot remember the time) it gives you immunity for at least 10 years.
I've never bothered with rabies, even though I have spent a few months in Africa. Just avoid the monkeys, they are your biggest problem. As for other animals that may come near you (i.e. elephants) rabies is the least of your worries!
My travel doctor told me to treat any bite or scratch from an animal seriously. So if it does occur, call you embassy and they can recommend a doctor or hospital to visit.
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Plus-- as you travel don't pet any stray animals. (not even dogs and cats)
They make look clean and safe but don't take the chance.
Reply to this I would definitely advise on a Hep B shot. Good advice as well to stay away from any animals, friendly or unfriendly! Especially in the rural areas and third world countries.
Reply to this I would third getting a Hep B shot. Regarding getting a rabies shot - whenever I've sought advice on it, the consensus has been 'it depends on how much contact you plan on having with animals'. As mentioned by others, stray cats and dogs, and wild monkeys are going to be your biggest threats. In the case of monkeys it could mean sacrificing the bottle of water or packet of crisps they want from you... 😊
Your trip sounds amazing, hope you blog about it so we can follow along!
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