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MEDICAL ADVICE FOR THE TRIP
This is a guideline of things to think about with regard to the African trip in June.
No Yellow Fever Injection required!
One of the main points is that a Yellow Fever vaccine is not required for Zambia, and is no longer necessary when entering South Africa from Zambia.
Do this at least 6 weeks prior to travel!
It is recommended that travellers should make an appointment with their GP or travel medicine clinic, ideally 6 weeks prior to travel. This provides each traveller with an individual pre-travel assessment and allows sufficient time for vaccinations to be administered if necessary.
Routine Vaccinations
It is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine vaccinations which includes
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ADT (Adult diphtheria and tetanus) A booster is recommended if it has not been received in the previous 10 years.
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MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella) Most adults will have received the recommended 2 doses of MMR or have a history of contracting measles as a child. Adults born before 1969 are considered immune to measles.
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Influenza
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Polio – although polio is not endemic or circulating in any of the countries on the tour, it is recommended that travellers have received a routine series of polio vaccine.
Travel Vaccinations that you might consider.
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Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis B
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Typhoid
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Antimalarial tablets – (Doxycycline, Malarone, Mefloquine)
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Dukoral (for Travellers” Diarrhoea) vaccination of travellers to high-risk areas is associated with an absolute reduction of 28% in the risk of all-cause travellers diarrhoea
In addition, CDC (centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends rabies vaccination for “travellers involved in outdoor and other activities that might bring them into contact with dogs, bats and other mammals (such as campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers)” – something for individuals to consider.
Note Yellow fever vaccination is no longer required for Zambia, or for travelling to Zambia from South Africa. For more information www.santhnet.co.za.
Remember to take
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Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (≥ 60%)
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellant containing DEET ≥20% or Picaridin
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Permethrin containing product may be applied to bed nets and clothing.
Medication
Aside from personal medication, further medications to consider may be:
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Anti-diarrhoea medication
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Ciprofloxacin for the treatment of diarrhoea
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Painkillers
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Antibiotic for treatment of skin infections, chest infections, urine infections
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Antibacterial/antifungal cream
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Anti-histamine
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Motion sickness tablets
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Oral rehydration salts
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Antacids
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Decongestant
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Lubricant eye drops
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Anti-itch cream
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Yeast infection cream
These medications could be divided between couples or vans, whatever works.
First Aid Kit
It would be handy to have a simple first aid kit in each van. Suggestions to include:
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Band-aids
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Blister plasters
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Bandages
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Steristrips
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Gauze pads
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Adhesive tape
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Waterproof dressings
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Scissors
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Safety pins
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Tweezers
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Saline for wound cleaning
Don’t forget, water may not be safe to drink and must be boiled. Alternatives are:
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Chlorine or iodine tablets
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Aquamira tablets
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Portable U.V radiation products
Visit www.safetravel.govt.nz for general information, travel advisory updates and the option to register your travel.