Kenya is an exceptionally beautiful and exciting country with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. With endless options for people who like to experience the great outdoors, Kenya has some of the world’s best amenities when it comes to snorkelling and diving. But to get the most out of your time in Kenya, follow these essential tips about vaccinations for Kenya and staying safe overall.
What vaccines do Canadians need for Kenya?
Vaccination requirements for Kenya apply to the following illnesses and diseases: cholera, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis A and B, polio, measles, mumps rubella (MMR), meningitis, chickenpox, pneumonia, shingles, influenza, and Tdap also known as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Read the charts below for additional details about Kenya vaccinations1:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Kenya
| Vaccine Type | How the Disease is Transmitted | Recommended For: |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Unvaccinated travellers older than 1 year old |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Unvaccinated travellers |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | All travellers, especially if you are staying with locals or travelling to rural areas. Typhoid Fever injection can be given from 2 years of age. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Vaccine recommended for both children and adults travelling to cholera-affected regions. Vaccine can be given from 2 years of age. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | For travellers older than 9 months old coming from a country with Yellow Fever transmission risks, including layovers from at-risk countries. Suggested for all travellers aged 9 months and older, with a few exceptions. It is generally advised against traveling exclusively to the city of Nairobi (the capital) and the counties within the former North Eastern Province (Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa). Additionally, it is not recommended to visit the counties within the former Coast Province (except for Taita-Taveta), which include Kilifi (including the city of Malindi), Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa (including the city of Mombasa), and Tana River2. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Kenya is a high-risk country for rabies and the vaccine is advisable for everyone including children |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | This is recommended for travellers 9 months and older. Vaccines are advisable for most people when travelling during the dry season, from December to June |
Routine Vaccinations for Kenya
| Vaccine Type | How the Disease is Transmitted | Recommended For |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Saliva, respiratory droplets, direct contact of bodily fluids | Available for anyone unvaccinated and from 12 months of age as part of the routine vaccine covered by OHIP |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | All travellers |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Travellers 50 years or older, travellers who have a history of chicken pox illness |
| Polio | Food & Water | All travellers are advised to be up to date with their immunization. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Travellers from 6 months to 65+ years old. Vaccines change each year, check with your medical professional for the latest information. |
As for malaria, the risk of contracting this disease in Kenya is considered moderately concerning. Every traveller to Kenya should contact a medical specialist to work out what antimalarial precautions should be taken, whether that’s through a vaccine or oral medication. When considering Kenya vaccine requirements, there is also risk of contracting chikungunya and dengue, meaning you should still use mosquito repellent and protective netting when possible.
Is it safe to travel to Kenya?
There is currently an elevated risk of terrorism and crime in this country that you should be aware of, specifically near Kenya’s border with Somalia. By travelling to this country, you risk becoming a victim of theft, carjackings or sexual assault. With travel warnings from multiple governments in effect, it’s particularly important to avoid the following areas: Mandera and Wajir, Garissa in Northeastern Kenya, Tara River, Lamu and Kilifi of the coastal regions, as well as the Eastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi.
Does Kenya still have COVID restrictions?
There are currently no active COVID-19 restrictions in place for travellers to Kenya.
Do I need malaria pills for Kenya?
CDC recommends that travellers going to certain areas of Kenya take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
Do I need rabies vaccine for Kenya?
Yes, in Kenya, vaccinations are required for rabies. These are highly recommended for people who intend on handling animals or have planned a long-term visit to Kenya.
Is tap water safe to drink in Kenya?
Typically, drinking water from taps throughout Kenya is safe for consumption by adults and older children. However, if you have any doubts, a compromised immune system or infants, it’s advisable that you switch to bottled water for the duration of your visit.
Contact Us to Learn More About Kenya Vaccine Requirements
By following our travel health tips, including staying up to date with necessary vaccines, you can protect yourself from potential health risks and have peace of mind during your time in Kenya. Our clinic offers a range of recommended vaccines tailored specifically for this destination, taking into account the prevalent diseases and local conditions.
Remember, proactive measures such as proper vaccination, practicing good hygiene, and taking precautions specific to Kenya will significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering any health-related issues during your travels. At ABC Travel Clinic, we strive to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your health while exploring the wonders of Kenya.
Trust us as your reliable partner in ensuring a healthy and memorable trip to Kenya. Contact ABC Travel Clinic today to schedule your travel health consultation and start your vacation with confidence!
References:
1CDC. “Kenya: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya.
2CDC. “Kenya: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya.
