Keith Crockford
Uganda is a fascinating place and a bucket list destination for many adventurers, but one question you may have is ‘What vaccinations do I need for Uganda from the UK?’
As with all our trips, we advise you to go and see your GP or visit a travel clinic 3-4 months before your trip. Tell them where you’re going and what you’re doing and they’ll give you the most up to date advice.
(Bear in mind, not all GPs offer a full range of travel vaccinations so check with yours well before your trip. You may be better off visiting a local travel clinic or pharmacy that offers a travel vaccination service.)
Remember too, vaccination information is always subject to change, so you should also check on the government’s ‘Know Before You Go’ website for the most up to date advice.
At the time of writing, there are outbreaks of Ebola and mpox clade I ongoing. Stay updated on the Travel Health Pro webpage.
Malaria is very present in Uganda. There’s no fully effective malaria vaccination yet, but you may need to take antimalarial tablets as Uganda is a risk area – have a consultation with a travel clinic to talk through your options.
Yellow fever is present in Uganda, meaning people aged 1 and older entering the country must have been vaccinated prior. You also need to bring the certificate of your yellow fever vaccination with you, regardless of how long ago it’s from.
The vaccination is only available at registered yellow fever vaccination centres, and it’s not suitable for everyone, so talk to your doctor first.
There is a risk of dengue fever in Uganda. It is spread by a species of mosquito known as the ‘tiger mosquito’ which mainly bites during the day. The illness is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics, affecting over 100 countries with approximately 50 million cases globally a year. Currently most infections occur in SE Asia, South and Central America, Mexico, Africa, Indian sub-continent, Hawaii and the Pacific.
There isn’t a vaccination available unless you’ve had dengue in the past or you’re part of an at-risk group (always talk to your doctor about whether this applies to you), so the best course of action to prevent getting ill is:
The same goes for preventing chikungunya and Zika virus.
Most travellers are advised to receive vaccinations for the following:
Hepatitis A
Spread by coming into contact with contaminated food and water, or direct contact with someone who’s already got it, so take care with personal, food and water hygiene.
The vaccination is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers, unless previously infected as immunity is lifelong. Once vaccinated, you should be protected for about 25 years.
Typhoid
Typhoid is also transmitted via contaminated food and water. Unlike hepatitis A where previous infection means lifelong immunity, previous typhoid infection may only partially protect against getting it again.
Oral and injectable vaccinations are available, and always take care with personal, food and water hygiene.
There are other vaccinations which are recommended for some travellers to Uganda. These are for:
Have a read through the latest Travel Health Pro advice here, and discuss what’s best with your doctor.
You should also make sure you’re keeping up to date with the routine UK vaccinations like MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-polio, and tetanus. The full list can be found here.
It’s worth bearing in mind that medical facilities in Uganda are often limited, especially outside Kampala, so make sure you’ve got full travel health insurance (and that any medication you plan on bringing into the country is allowed).
When it comes to water, only drink boiled or bottled, and avoid having ice in drinks. It’s a good idea to be a little cautious over where you eat as well – check it’s hygiene rating and if there are any reviews online before going in.
For more info about everything health-related in Uganda, click here.
Now it might sound like there’s a lot of admin (aaand a little bit of risk) involved in planning an adventure in Uganda… BUT the rewards of witnessing this incredible country firsthand? Everything else pales into comparison.
Our founder Keith says that trekking to see mountain gorillas in the depths of the Ugandan jungle is one of the most amazing things he’s ever done and, well, he’s done a lot. There’s so much action packed into our Uganda itinerary, plus so many unique thrills and unbelievably memorable experiences that you won’t regret getting a few jabs for a second.
Want to know more about our Bucket List Ugandan adventure? Check out our itinerary here – you won’t regret it.
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