South Africa Health

Vaccinations

  Special Precautions
Diphtheria Yes
Hepatitis A Yes
Malaria Sometimes*
Rabies Sometimes
Tetanus Yes
Typhoid Sometimes
Yellow Fever No**
Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt. Where 'Sometimes' appears in the table above, precautions may be required, depending on the season and region visited.

* Kruger National Park, the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal are considered a low risk malaria area during December-April.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.

Measles outbreaks occur from time to time in Kwa Zulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces. A measles outbreak occurred in September 2009, primarily in Gauteng province.

Food and Drink

Mains water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption, as are local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.

Other Risks

Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant or slow-moving water as there is a low risk of contracting bilharzia; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

Health Care

Medical facilities are good in urban areas but limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended, which should include repatriation to your home country in the event of an emergency.
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