Yellow fever vaccination - all about vaccinations in Tanzania and Zanzibar

Is it true that vaccinations are required when traveling to Tanzania and Zanzibar? Is a yellow fever vaccination certificate required?

What dangerous infectious diseases are spreading across Tanzania, and is the devil as scary as he is portrayed to be? Let's figure it out and finally bring complete clarity to this issue.

Truths and myths about vaccination before traveling to Tanzania

About vaccinations for travelers to Tanzania

Newcomer tourists are often seriously concerned about health issues when traveling to an exotic African country. It is the question of the need for vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania that still tops the list of questions when traveling to Tanzania or Zanzibar.

You can, of course, put all the hospitals, medical units, and private clinics in your city to shame before your vacation and... never find out the truth about whether you need to get vaccinated while planning your coveted vacation.

Here's some devastating news for you right away: citizens of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus entering from their homeland do not need vaccinations to travel to Tanzania!

How so? And here’s how – we explain in detail below.

Zanzibar: are vaccinations necessary?

During the rainy season and when the air temperature is moderate, malaria mosquitoes become active. Therefore, theoretically, in Zanzibar it is quite possible to become infected with this dangerous infectious disease. At the same time, experts say that this is almost impossible if you relax in safe places and follow all the guide’s recommendations. In other words, in recent years, not a single death has been recorded after being bitten by a malaria mosquito.

A completely different question arises: is it necessary to prevent malaria? African experts categorically do not recommend doing this, especially for people with existing pathologies. All preventive medications contain large amounts of toxic substances that will negatively affect future health, especially the condition of the liver.

In other words, you can get more harm from prevention, because the risks of getting sick in Zanzibar are minimal. Moreover, each person, after consulting experienced specialists, must decide for himself what vaccinations need to be done before traveling to Tanzania.

Vaccination against yellow fever

The most sensational and most controversial among all is the vaccination against amaryllosis, or yellow fever. This topic has generated a wagon train of controversy, and accessible and transparent information for Russians on this issue is desperately lacking. Shall we correct this omission?

Immunization against yellow fever

Hepatitis A

Vaccination against this infection (as well as against typhoid fever) is relevant for tourists planning to travel to warm countries and resorts - from Crimea to Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and Spain. The infection is transmitted through dirty hands, contaminated food and water, the disease lasts 1 month, treatment requires strict dietary restrictions.

To avoid guessing throughout the trip: “I’ll get sick or not,” it makes sense to get vaccinated 2-3 weeks in advance. One vaccination provides protection from one to 5 years (depending on the type of vaccine). Those who wish to extend their carefree existence for a period of 9 to 19, and possibly more, years will need to repeat the vaccination after a year. In Russia and the CIS, one Russian and several imported vaccines are available to prevent viral hepatitis A.

Doctor, is this serious?

The yellow fever virus is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by infected females of several species of sandflies, mainly Aedesaegypti sandflies, as well as Haemogogus. In addition to humans, the disease also affects other primates.

The infection does not spread directly from person to person or from primate to person. The clinical picture of the disease includes fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pain, especially in the back, and headache. In 15% of patients, the liver is affected, causing the skin to become yellow.

Among English sailors in the 17th century, the name “Yellow Jack” was used - it was their ranks that were most thinned by the disease that they contracted in Central America and Africa.

Upon arrival at an English port, the ships displayed a yellow quarantine flag, which meant that there were feverish patients on board. Apparently, the flag was called “Yellow Jack” by analogy with the flag of the British Empire - “Union Jack”.

WHICH HOTEL IN ZANZIBAR TO CHOOSE

The hotel base at the resorts of Zanzibar is extensive and decent, for every budget and whim: there are luxurious 5* hotels, as well as modest but very cozy 3* hotels.

Margarita Osipova from Coral Travel points out that the vast majority of hotels in Zanzibar are located on the first coastline, and therefore the differences between hotels of different categories usually come down to the level of rooms and variety of food. But even in a 3* hotel they provide a decent level of service.

There are already more than 60 hotels in Zanzibar listed in the Coral Travel booking system. We will tell you about the hotels where Coral Travel has guaranteed places for the New Year, but, of course, you can book them for any other dates.

You can find the rest on the tour operator’s website. Please note: hotels that have a good chance of being liked by Russian tourists are marked in the tour operator’s booking system with a “recommended” flag.

Riu Palace Zanzibar 5*

A small but incredibly beautiful hotel located in the resort of Nungwi. All 200 hotel rooms have ocean views. The hotel operates on an all-inclusive basis. Accepts only adult guests.

Coral Travel guaranteed a Junior Suite Garden View room from the hotel. Package cost when booking before October 31 – $6,461 (9 days for two)

Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa 5*

A small hotel located on the northwest coast of Kendwa. It is not as luxurious as Riu Palace Zanzibar 5*, but it has an incredible beach, beautiful rooms, a stunning pool, and villas in a palm grove and on the beach. The entire area is surrounded by greenery. Ideal for families with children: there is a children's club. Operates on an all-inclusive and half-board basis.

Coral Travel has guaranteed DeluxeGarden and DeluxeOcean rooms. The cost of the package is $7,263 (9 days for two).

Sultan Sands Island Resort 4*

A good small hotel where all categories of tourists will feel comfortable. The hotel is located on the Kiwengwa coast. It operates on all-inclusive, half-board and full-board meal plans.

Coral Travel has guaranteed Pwani Rooms category rooms from December 27, 2021 to January 4, 220. The package costs $6,933 (9 days for two).

Ocean Paradise Resort 4*

A small hotel (92 rooms), literally surrounded by greenery and located near a beautiful beach on the Pvani coast. The hotel is also suitable for families with children. It operates on all-inclusive, half-board and full-board meal plans.

Coral Travel has guaranteed Superior Rooms for the period from January 3 to January 11, 2021. The package costs $5,230 (9 days for two).

My Blue 4*

Decent hotel on the northern coast of Nungwi. It operates on a full board basis, but they try to get as close as possible to the all-inclusive concept. The hotel will be happy to welcome both family tourists and young people.

Coral Travel has guaranteed Standard Rooms. The package costs $4,730 (9 days for two).

Let us remind you that there are no Russian-speaking staff in hotels, but on excursions from Coral Travel a Russian-speaking guide can be present (on request and for an additional fee). Next, we will consider the main attractions of the unique island.

Yellow fever situation in Tanzania and Zanzibar: rapid review

It’s unfortunate that for many tourists, the fear of unknown exotic infections becomes the No. 1 obstacle to traveling to Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. What’s even more annoying is that such fears are actually not substantiated by anything other than a lack of truthful information laid out on the shelves.

In the Masayev village

In defense of the position “why going to Tanzania is dangerous for your health,” you can come up with a bunch of pseudo-arguments. But there will be very few of them that are adequate, based on real data. And there certainly won't be any associated with the yellow fever virus.

What is the actual situation with amaryllosis in this region? Let's start with the fact that the situation with yellow fever in Tanzania is very strictly monitored by both the local Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and international health services.

The last case of yellow fever in the country occurred in 1992. And in 2011, by decision of the WHO, Tanzania was finally removed from the list of countries with a risk of yellow fever infection.

Despite this, you will find too much incorrect information on this topic on the World Wide Web. On many popular medical resources and websites for travelers, you will read that vaccinations are mandatory for traveling to Tanzania. And this, as you understand, is a statement completely opposite to the truth.

WHO, WHEN AND WHY TO GO TO ZANZIBAR

Holidays in Zanzibar will delight, first of all, sophisticated, inquisitive tourists with the spirit of true travelers. However, due to the versatility of the destination, connoisseurs of a relaxing family vacation will not get bored here, cheerful young people will also find something to their liking, and tourists focused on excursion holidays will also have a lot of fun.

You can relax on Zanzibar, the largest and most developed island in the archipelago of the same name in terms of tourism infrastructure, consisting of more than 75 islands, all year round - since there is practically no seasonal factor here.

Should we be afraid of the “rainy season” in Zanzibar? No. There are two rainy seasons on the island: a short one, in November (and in the second half), and a long one, from the end of March to May.

However, it is necessary to explain to tourists that there are no prolonged tropical rains in Zanzibar. During these periods, short rains occur mainly in the morning and at night, without interfering with rest. In addition, during the so-called “off-season” prices for tours become much more attractive.

There is no smoke without fire?

Why is the situation so escalated around yellow fever and vaccinations before going on vacation?

There are three main reasons for this:

1. Sub-Saharan Africa, that is, the part of the continent located south of the Sahara Desert, is home to many diseases unknown to Europeans. Tanzania is geographically located here. So they brush it with the same brush as countries where such a danger actually exists, without understanding the facts.
2. The potential risk of amarillosis - very low - exists here due to environmental conditions favorable for the virus. This is a hot climate, humidity, dense tropical forests (only in some regions of the country). However, this requires, at a minimum, that an infected person enter the country.
3. Some of Tanzania's neighbors are yellow fever endemic countries. Namely, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi (land borders), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (lake border).

However, the countries of Kenya and the DRC are not holoendemic for yellow fever, meaning that only a portion of the total area of ​​these countries is at risk of transmission.

The map shows yellow fever-endemic states in yellow; dark gray – with an insignificant potential risk of infection, light gray – states that are not endemic for yellow fever

So why is there no reason to worry, you ask, because suddenly someone will come to Tanzania or Zanzibar from neighboring countries that are not so free from this infection? Read below why!

Sleeping sickness and tsetse flies

The tsetse fly is a carrier of the deadly sleeping sickness. There is practically no chance of recovery. But don't worry. There is not a single tsetse fly in Tanzania. In addition, no cases of infection or death have been recorded in recent years.

Previously, the tsetse fly was found in the tropical rainforests of Tanzania. But it was successfully eliminated, so today there is no cause for alarm.

Vaccination certificate

“When entering Zanzibar or Tanzania, a tourist from Russia will be asked for a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever in order to protect him from infection during his vacation” - a fable in the full sense of the word.

It's just the opposite. The truth is that the Tanzanian authorities ask for a vaccination certificate from citizens of certain countries (see map above) to ensure that they do not “import” the disease into Tanzania. An unexpected turn, huh?

Control at all border posts is strict, so the probability of introducing infection into Tanzania or Zanzibar tends to 0%.

That is, it turns out that in no case will they ask for my certificate, because I am a citizen of Russia (Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, or another country not familiar with such an infection)? - you ask, and here you will get an ambiguous answer. You do not need any vaccinations for Tanzania, with just two exceptions:

1. You enter Tanzania, including Zanzibar, after traveling through Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and other endemic countries.
2. Your layover at an airport in an endemic country (for example, a layover in Nairobi) exceeded 12 hours.

Agree, the scenarios are quite rare, but also possible. In these two cases, even for Russians it is necessary to be vaccinated against amaryllosis, and to have the corresponding certificate in hand along with the passport.

Record on yellow fever vaccination certificate

In addition, such a vaccination will not interfere with you if you are going to Tanzania for a long time - for example, on a business visa. And at the same time, you plan to visit neighboring and other African countries. After all, vaccination “gives” you lasting immunity against the disease for 10 years.

At the moment, it is necessary to officially update the “virus database” every decade for the certificate to be considered valid. But according to the latest research, the yellow fever vaccine preserves immunity throughout life. So, who knows, maybe pretty soon the vaccination certificate will become lifelong.

How to buy insurance for Zanzibar

You can purchase travel insurance online. Polis812 has a promotional code for a 15% discount, and 500 bonus points are awarded for registering on the site .

To pre-calculate the price or purchase insurance you need:

• Enter data in the insurance search field (Zanzibar, departure date, return date, your age).

• Choose one of the offered insurances.

• Fill out the form for the insurance contract (passport and contact details).

• Pay for the service and receive insurance by email. We recommend printing out your insurance policy.
• If you still have questions, ask them to the consultants of the Polis812 insurance center in an online dialogue.

Buy insurance

Where can I get the yellow fever vaccine?

The vaccination must be done 10 days before entering Tanzania. The vaccine is not given to pregnant women, children under 1 year of age and allergy sufferers with intolerance to chicken protein. The vaccination is easily tolerated, without side effects.

In Moscow, immunization against yellow fever with an international certificate can be done in state medical institutions:

• Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital No. 1;
• City Clinic No. 5;
• Vaccination point No. 6 of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Polyclinic No. 1” of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation;
• Center for medical prevention of DMZ - for children.

And in private clinics:

• He is a Clinician;
• GMS Clinic.

The vaccine against yellow fever is live and can be produced either in Russia, Turkey (Sanofi Pasteur) or China (Tiantan Bio).

Yellow fever vaccine

In addition to Moscow, you can get vaccinated in a number of other cities of the Russian Federation:

• Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia;
• Arkhangelsk;
• Cherepovets, Vologda region;
• Kaliningrad;
• Murmansk;
• Saint Petersburg;
• Krasnodar;
• Novorossiysk, Krasnodar region;
• Volgograd;
• Rostov-on-Don;
• Stavropol;
• With. Bulgakovo, Ufa district, Republic of Bashkortostan;
• Kazan;
• Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic;
• Samara;
• Ulyanovsk;
• Chelyabinsk;
• Ekaterinburg;
• Tyumen;
• Permian;
• Republic of Tyva, Kyzyl;
• Krasnoyarsk;
• Irkutsk;
• Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia;
• Barnaul, Altai region;
• Kemerovo;
• Novosibirsk;
• Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha;
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka region;
• Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai;
• Nakhodka, Primorsky Krai;
• Blagoveshchensk, Amur region;
• Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region;
• Anadyr, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

At the moment, this list is exhaustive. However, please remember that vaccine availability may be limited when you need it.

Therefore, if you are sure that you need a vaccination certificate before your trip, make sure to check the availability of the vaccine in your city in advance and book an appointment to visit the vaccination office.

The cost of vaccination in Moscow on average starts from 3,000 rubles. - in public hospitals, and reaches 9,000 rubles. — in private clinics without queues and with full medical support.

TIDES AND TIDES IN ZANZIBAR: LET'S UNDERSTAND THE RESORTS

Having decided on vaccinations, visas and flights, it’s time to think about perhaps the most important thing - which region to choose for your holiday. But first, let's understand the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean.

There are ebbs and flows everywhere in Zanzibar, but in some regions they are pronounced, in others they are not. However, they cannot be called a problem for recreation in any case, since during low tides tourists can go explore the island as part of numerous excursions (natural parks, boat trips, snorkeling, etc.), or they can simply swim in the hotel pool.

All hotels on the island have a tide schedule for the coming days, so tourists will always know about them in advance and plan their leisure time.

The coast of Zanzibar is divided into several large beach regions, such as: the resort in the north of the island - Nungwi , Kendwa in the northwest, Kiwengwa in the northeast, Matemwe and Uroa in the east, Pingwe and Dongwe in the southeast and in the same part of the island Page resort . All of them have their own characteristics in relation to the tidal activity of the ocean.

The water recedes least at low tide in Kendwa and Nungwi : at the strongest low tide, the ocean recedes about thirteen meters, but this happens extremely rarely.

But at the Kiwengwa , the low tides will be more noticeable.

The low tides are even more noticeable on Matemwe and Uroa, and there are stunning beaches here; only in March and May does algae wash up on the shore, but this is also extremely rare and this does not spoil the overall picture of paradise.

The strongest low tides in the southwest of the island are at the resorts of Pingwe and Dongwe , and the Paje does not look at all as attractive as its colleagues. This resort is suitable for young people, budget tourists and kitesurfers.

Zanzibar's beaches, beautiful with white and fine coral sand, have another interesting feature - a single coastline. This means that there are no boundaries between the beaches; they stretch for many kilometers in one sandy line.

Additional optional vaccinations when traveling to Zanzibar and Tanzania

Once you've understood the situation with yellow fever on mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago - making sure it's completely safe and that you don't need to be vaccinated to go on holiday - you'll want to know what the situation is like with other infectious diseases in the country.

There is a list of recommended vaccinations - to do or not to do - the choice is yours

Should I get vaccinated against other diseases? Is any medical certificate required to enter the country? We repeat: officially no.

No other vaccinations are required to travel to Tanzania. But we will provide a list of recommended vaccinations at your discretion and for your peace of mind below.

Again, it makes sense to give such vaccinations to those travelers who intend to have a long and lasting relationship with Africa. So, vaccinations in decreasing order of priority:

1. Against hepatitis A. Such a vaccination will not hurt, because there is a possibility of contracting this disease through food or water (by the way, in this regard, we recommend drinking only bottled water).
2. For typhoid fever . The rationale is the same as for vaccination against hepatitis A. It is relevant for those who are going to travel around the countryside and taste food in places far from tourist standards.
3. From hepatitis B , which is most often transmitted through sexual contact, or through the use of unsterile needles or other medical instruments.
4. From cholera. This is a very rare disease among travelers. By drinking clean water and food and washing your hands thoroughly, there is no need for vaccination.
5. From rabies. This infection is carried by dogs and other mammals, so if you are not traveling to Tanzania, for example, on a mission as a veterinarian or volunteer at an animal shelter, or planning long-term hikes through dense forests with tents, do not fool yourself.

Do you need vaccinations to travel to Zanzibar?

Russian citizens can cross the Tanzanian border without being vaccinated (with the exception of rare cases when travelers arrive from areas with an unfavorable epidemiological situation).
Therefore, vaccination is voluntary. It is worth remembering that the humid and hot tropical climate contributes to the spread of infectious diseases.

1-2 months before entering the country, you should consult a doctor and get the recommended vaccinations (especially if you plan to travel with a child).

And finally, what diseases generally prevail in Tanzania?

Tanzania, like the rest of the world, is experiencing inevitable globalization in all areas. Life, although not yet boiling, is confidently boiling.

Life of local residents of Zanzibar

That is why in Tanzania and Zanzibar the so-called diseases of civilization are becoming more and more common, the undisputed leaders among which are diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

According to Tanzanian medical institutions, the aforementioned non-communicable diseases already prevail over infectious diseases, which have been the scourge of Africa for many centuries.

We agree that the trend of transition from infectious diseases to “diseases of civilization” cannot be called too positive, however, of course, this information is a great relief for travelers.

What money to take to Tanzania

The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling , which can be obtained at the airport or bank by exchanging dollars or euros . As practice has shown, the easiest way is to take with you American dollars no older than 2006 (they won’t accept them anywhere older than that!), and pay either with them or with shillings.

Remember, this is Africa, so there are very few places where you can pay with a credit card . Therefore, it is best to have cash and preferably not large bills - so as not to accidentally give away a $20 piece of paper for a tip. By the way, many times we paid in dollars shillings for change !

What have we learned about vaccinations in Tanzania?

To make your trip safe and comfortable, you should arm yourself with truthful information about protecting your health. During your short-term, up to a month, vacation in Tanzania, including Zanzibar, contracting any infection tends to be 0%.

To protect yourself from food-borne infections, take precautions - wash your hands, drink bottled water, and avoid questionable foodservice establishments.

Officially, no vaccinations are required when traveling to Tanzania, including vaccination against yellow fever. The exception is if you are entering from an endemic area or planning further travel to other African countries.

The vaccine is safe and effective, the international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is valid for 10 years.

Now you know everything you need to know about vaccinations for travelers to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and we are sure that no horror stories will scare you anymore.

What medications to take with you to Tanzania

When going on vacation to a distant tropical island, you need to take care not only of vaccinations, but also of having a first aid kit. It should contain medications that may be needed in case of food poisoning, injury, or other unexpected health problems. List of required funds:

• antihistamines (needed in case of an allergic reaction);
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to relieve pain, reduce temperature and relieve the inflammatory process);
• activated carbon, Smecta and other drugs used for intoxication and intestinal disorders;
• medications that the traveler takes constantly (hypotensive, anti-asthmatic, etc.);
• antiseptic (iodine, brilliant green, hand sanitizers);
• bandage, bactericidal plaster.

In light of recent events, it will not hurt to find out about the situation in Zanzibar with COVID-19 before traveling. If it turns out to be unfavorable, then it is worth stocking up on the drugs used to treat it. It is possible that when a vaccination against this coronavirus infection becomes available, travelers will be required to get it to cross the Tanzanian border.