How to Get Immunizations for Madagascar

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, sits in the Indian Ocean off the African coast. Mostly covered by mountains and rainforest, it is the home of unique species including the lemur. Medical facilities are limited and most likely well below U.S. standards. You should take precautions to protect yourself from malaria and get recommended immunization before traveling to Madagascar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site to obtain the most current list of recommended immunizations and to find out how far in advance the vaccination is needed. Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio are recommended for all travelers, except infants and pregnant women. A rabies vaccination may be necessary for extended trips or when there is a risk of exposure.
2. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine immunizations. Get the Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) booster, unless pregnant, if you never received a second vaccination. Tetanus should be updated every 10 years. Individuals who risk exposure to Hepatitis B, as well as children who did not receive the series as infants, should receive this additional vaccination.
3. Find out the current yellow fever vaccination requirements and malaria situation for Madagascar at the World Health Organization Web site. Yellow fever and malaria are both transmitted by mosquito bites. Yellow fever is currently not a health risk in Madagascar. Malaria throughout the country, and an anti-malaria medication is recommended.
4. Call your doctor at least 2 months in advance of your trip to make an appointment to receive the Hepatitis A and other routine immunizations at least 4 weeks before departure.
5. Visit your doctor to get the scheduled immunizations. An oral typhoid vaccine is available for travelers who are at least six years old, and an injection is approved for those over age two. Polio only requires a booster if you received the recommended child vaccination. Get the anti-malaria drug and start taking it before your trip as directed.

Tips & Warnings

• Pack long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat to protect yourself against insect bites. Also bring mosquito repellent containing DEET, and in some cases, insecticide-treated mosquito netting is a good precautionary measure
• Continue taking anti-malarial medication for 4 weeks after your return or as prescribed by your doctor.
• All of the mentioned immunizations have possible side effects which include soreness, and redness at the site of the injection. You may also experience headache, nausea and abdominal pain.
• Travelers at least one year old, arriving in Madagascar from a country with yellow fever, must provide an "International Certificate of Vaccination" as proof of the immunization. Ask your doctor for this document when receiving a yellow fever vaccination.
• If you become ill with flu-like symptoms while traveling or for up to a year after your return, seek medical attention immediately to rule out malaria.
• Eat food that is well cooked and drink only bottled water to prevent typhoid. Avoid dairy products that aren't pasteurized and beverages that contain ice.