Every traveler should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination in Uganda.Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Most travelers get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
This vaccine is recommended because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Uganda, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Malaria
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria.
Typhoid
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Uganda. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Yellow Fever
If you need to be vaccinated before your trip, you may need to travel some distance and schedule your appointment well in advance. Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera
CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. Areas of active cholera transmission include the districts of Hoima, Kasese (last case reported January 2018), Kisoro (last case reported January 2018), and Kyegegwa. Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also prevent cholera.
Hepatitis B
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Meningitis
CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Uganda located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
Rabies
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Uganda, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers.
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Uganda
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
- Get the right vaccine and have a stress free holiday vacation in Uganda.
