Namibia Travel Alert--Vaccine
May 31, 2018 09:00:53 #
Just FYI: I just learned that to enter Namibia you may need to have a yellow fever vaccination with papers that certify your vaccination. This is so even though it is not really a yellow fever zone. For the certification to be effective, the vaccination must have been given 10 days before your arrival. To make matters worse, there is apparently a shortage of the vaccine in the US. And, only certain doctors are authorized to administer the vaccine. If you are headed this way, I recommend you check this out ASAP.
Safe travels!
Safe travels!
May 31, 2018 09:15:37 #
I think that you better check. My understanding is that they only require it if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. You are correct, Namimbia is not a yellow fever risk.
May 31, 2018 10:46:54 #
Carlosu wrote:
I think that you better check. My understanding is that they only require it if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. You are correct, Namimbia is not a yellow fever risk.
That is what the CDC website says. However, the U.S. Embassy has stated that despite the US not being a yellow fever country they have asked US travelers to show their "yellow card" so the embassy is recommending that US travelers get the vaccine. It seems crazy to me.
May 31, 2018 10:49:56 #
whwiden wrote:
That is what the CDC website says. However, the U.S. Embassy has stated that despite the US not being a yellow fever country they have asked US travelers to show their "yellow card" so the embassy is recommending that US travelers get the vaccine. It seems crazy to me.
Here is the publication page.
Jun 1, 2018 08:08:46 #
Jun 1, 2018 10:53:26 #
jaycoffman
Loc: San Diego
FrankR wrote:
Yellow fever shot hurts!
Yes, but not as much as Yellow Fever...
Jun 1, 2018 11:20:24 #
I went to Namibia last May and did not have to show shot records (we were coming from the US). Having said that, I went on to Kenya and Tanzania. Tanzania did require shot records showing yellow fever vaccination (I was coming from Kenya). I did not get a yellow fever vaccination before I left on this trip. What I did do was to get an exemption certificate from my health care provider (Kaiser). I was informed that anyone over 60 years of age faces the risk of severe side affects from the yellow fever vaccination (spinal infection was one I believe). An exemption letter is not uncommon. When I arrived in Tanzania, I showed immigration authorities the exemption letter and it was readily accepted. Of course for those over 60 getting the vaccination Vs an exemption letter is an individual decision and should be discussed with your doctor.
Jun 1, 2018 20:51:23 #
whwiden wrote:
Just FYI: I just learned that to enter Namibia you... (show quote)
For yellow fever the shot is more effective if taken about 30 days before deployment. Once issued it protects you for life, is my understanding when I asked how often we needed it, so if you have had it another one should not be needed.
Jun 2, 2018 16:51:22 #
whwiden wrote:
Just FYI: I just learned that to enter Namibia you... (show quote)
We are in Botswana right now and arrived via Namibia two days ago. No Yellow Fever Vaccine required. It will be needed, however, when we enter Kenya in a week or so.
Jun 2, 2018 17:56:45 #
MadMikeOne wrote:
We are in Botswana right now and arrived via Namibia two days ago. No Yellow Fever Vaccine required. It will be needed, however, when we enter Kenya in a week or so.
Interesting. The application of rules seems random.
Jun 2, 2018 18:08:14 #
MadMikeOne wrote:
We are in Botswana right now and arrived via Namibia two days ago. No Yellow Fever Vaccine required. It will be needed, however, when we enter Kenya in a week or so.
You took the shots already as in only a week the shot is pretty worthless.
Jun 6, 2018 23:53:21 #
The rules are applied pretty erratically, but you do not want to be the one they turn back at the airport! BTW, you can get yellow fever and pretty much any travel vaccine at some pharmacies- I used to give travel shots at a pharmacy in LA before I retired. It is easier, quicker and in most cases less expensive than a doctors office.
Jun 7, 2018 04:52:01 #
Architect1776 wrote:
You took the shots already as in only a week the shot is pretty worthless.
Must have shot 10 days prior to admission to country as I understand it.
Jun 7, 2018 04:56:53 #
omar wrote:
The rules are applied pretty erratically, but you do not want to be the one they turn back at the airport! BTW, you can get yellow fever and pretty much any travel vaccine at some pharmacies- I used to give travel shots at a pharmacy in LA before I retired. It is easier, quicker and in most cases less expensive than a doctors office.
Good suggestion. Even with Tricare, military hospitals reserving for active duty. I found a travel clinic and got shot. I later learned that you may be denied entry based on passport stamps from some countries.
Jun 7, 2018 05:31:22 #
whwiden wrote:
Must have shot 10 days prior to admission to country as I understand it.
Minimum, 30 days are better for it to take full effect as I understand.
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