The vaccinations you need for Kenya.

Recommended vaccinations

Yellow Fever

This tropical infectious disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can pass on a virus that causes symptoms similar to the flu. However, more serious complications can occur, so it's advisable to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever before traveling. Some countries even require this vaccine. For Kenya, it is only mandatory if you have been in a country that is classified as a "Yellow Fever country" within the seven days prior to your arrival. If you're entering Kenya from such a country, you must have this vaccination recorded in your yellow vaccination book!

DTP

Just like the MMR vaccine, DTP is an abbreviation for multiple diseases. DTP stands for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Poliomyelitis (polio). These three diseases are grouped together because there is one protective vaccine for all of them. Children receive this shot, while adults need to renew it once every ten years.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A can be contracted in various ways, such as through food, dirty toilets, or even by touching contaminated hands. It can make you quite ill, so it's advisable to get vaccinated against it.

Personal and travel-related vaccination advice

Malaria

Malaria is present in most parts of Kenya, transmitted by malaria mosquitoes. There are four types of malaria, and the ‘Malaria Tropica’ variant can be particularly dangerous, even leading to death if left untreated. There is no vaccine for the four forms of malaria, but you can take precautions, such as sleeping under a mosquito net and applying DEET to exposed skin. You can also take tablets to prevent malaria. There are different types of tablets available, and travel nurses can help you choose the right one for you. However, even with tablets, it's still possible to contract malaria. If you experience early symptoms (fever, fatigue, headache, and/or muscle pain) during or after visiting a malaria zone, consult a doctor immediately to get a simple malaria test.

BMR

This refers to Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR). Most young people have already been vaccinated against these diseases, but there are individuals born after 1965 who may not have received these shots. It is also advisable to vaccinate children aged 6 months and older against these diseases to ensure they don't fall ill while traveling.

Rabies

Rabies, also known as "hondsdolheid" in Dutch, is a viral disease you can contract if bitten by a mammal carrying the virus. While getting vaccinated before your trip provides better protection against the severe symptoms of rabies, it is still crucial to seek medical attention for an additional shot if bitten. There are many animals in Africa that can carry the virus, so it's wise to get the three-dose rabies vaccination before you travel to ensure better protection against potential exposure.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. The disease was first identified in Tanzania in the 1950s and has since spread to several other African countries. The main symptoms include fever and joint pain. To protect yourself against Chikungunya, bring DEET insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and make sure to sleep under a mosquito net to reduce the risk of bites.

Dengue

Another disease transmitted by mosquitoes is Dengue, also known as breakbone fever. For this, it's useful to bring along DEET (apply especially in the early morning and evening) and do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites, as there are no vaccines available for it.

Hepatitis B

This form of hepatitis is slightly different from the A variant and is harder to contract (for example, not through contaminated food or dirty toilets). Hepatitis B can be contracted through sexual contact, getting a tattoo with a dirty needle, or being pricked by an infected needle in a clinic or hospital. A Hepatitis B vaccination is optional—travel health professionals can help you determine if you need this shot.

Meningococcal

You can get vaccinated against meningococcal disease, but it's not necessary for everyone. It's a good idea to consult a doctor or travel nurse to determine whether you need this vaccination based on your travel plans and the areas you will be visiting.

Tuberculosis

This disease can be contracted through the air – for example, if someone who is infected coughs near you, it can be dangerous. In the Netherlands, tuberculosis is rare. It is mainly people with a weakened immune system who can become seriously ill from tuberculosis – in developing countries, relatively many people die from this disease, as they may also have AIDS. If you are going to an area where TB is common for more than a few months, you can get the so-called 'B.C.G.' vaccination. This vaccine doesn't reduce the chance of getting the disease but does protect against the consequences of TB.

Zika virus

The mosquitoes that transmit dengue and chikungunya are also the ones that can carry the Zika virus. While the virus is most common in Latin America (and the chance of infection in Africa is much lower), it’s still a good idea to take preventive measures against mosquito bites—there are no vaccines. Using insect repellent with DEET is highly recommended. Well, that’s quite a list! The chances of contracting one of these diseases, especially after getting your vaccinations and having your yellow book stamps, are fortunately quite low. Now that you've gone through all that information, it’s time for a lighter topic: food! Check out the Kenyan dishes you absolutely must try during your visit to Kenya.