Vaccinations

It is important that you consult your doctor or a travel clinic before travelling to Madagascar as recommended immunisations may change. Some vaccinations can take up to 12 weeks so be sure to go as soon as you can.

We advise everyone to ensure that they have vaccinations or boosters for:
• Diphtheria - a single booster if you have previously been immunised
• Poliomyelitis - a single booster if you have previously been immunised
• Tetanus - a single booster if you have previously been immunised
• Hepatitis A - 2 weeks
• Typhoid - 10 days

In addition, we strongly recommended, that you have vaccinations against:
• Cholera - 2 weeks
• Hepatitis B - 8 weeks
• Rabies - 4 weeks
• Tuberculosis - if you have not had a BCG, immunisation can take up to 12 weeks

Visit your doctor or travel clinic to discuss your requirements and let them know the planned length of your stay; if you plan to stay for more than six weeks you need to consider all of the vaccinations mentioned above. You will also need to discuss appropriate malaria prophylaxis. More details on malaria.

You do not need to carry a certificate of vaccination (available from your doctor or hospital) however passports are checked at Immigration for previous travel to countries where yellow fever is prevalent. If you have visited such a country in the last six months, you will need to be vaccinated and produce a vaccination certificate on arrival in Madagascar. If you cannot produce one, you will be required to visit the Institut Pasteur (in Tana) to get a vaccination.

Check with your doctor for the most up-to-date information about yellow fever infected areas, but you can use this as a guide.
http://www.nathnac.org/pro/factsheets/yellow.htm

NB - Having adequate immunisation is important, if you have not had all the required vaccines before arrival in Toliara you may be asked to remain in Toliara until you have - please note, vaccines can NOT be brought from abroad and given in country, but can be bought in-country.

NOTES ON THE DISEASES MENTIONED ABOVE

Tetanus is contracted through dirty cuts and scratches and poliomyelitis spread through contaminated food and water. They are serious infections of the nervous system.

Typhoid and hepatitis A are spread through contaminated food and water. Typhoid causes septicaemia and hepatitis A causes liver inflammation and jaundice. In risk areas you should be immunised if good hygiene is impossible.

Cholera is spread through contaminated water and food and is more common during floods and rainy seasons. Although there have been no recent reports of cholera outbreaks, cases do occur during the rainy season. Vaccination is recommended.

Tuberculosis is most commonly transmitted via droplet infection. Those going to countries where it is common, especially those mixing closely with the local population and those at occupational risk, such as health care workers, should ensure that they have been immunised. If you did not have the vaccine as a child it is recommended that you have it before travel.

Diphtheria is also spread by droplet infection through close personal contact. Vaccination is advised if close contact with locals in risk areas is likely.

Hepatitis B is spread through infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse. It affects the liver, causes jaundice and occasionally liver failure. Those visiting high risk areas for long periods or at social or occupational risk should be immunised.

Rabies is spread through bites or licks on broken skin from an infected animal. It is always fatal. Vaccination is advised for those going to risk areas that will be remote from a reliable source of vaccine. Even when pre-exposure vaccines have been received urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal bite.

For more information and printable disease fact sheets visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre.

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