How to Get Immunized for Somalia

Somalia is located in East Africa, on the Horn of Africa. Deeply troubled, Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991. Tribal militias fight for dominance, and in Southern Somalia, no real government exists at all. Violent incidents happen frequently and unexpectedly. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Somalia for U.S. citizens. If travel to Somalia is necessary, use these steps to get immunizations.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Start the immunization process at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure. Vaccines require time to become effective. Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for a listing of current required and recommended vaccinations. The CDC recommends that travelers to Somalia be immunized for typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, and rabies. Typhoid often appears in rural areas of Somalia.

2. See a doctor to get current on all routine vaccinations. Polio, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), influenza, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) and chickenpox are the recommended vaccinations for travelers.

3. Get a yellow fever vaccination, based on a doctor's instructions. Somalia is in the yellow fever endemic zone and requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. Somalia's neighbors, Kenya and Ethiopia, are also in the endemic zone. Upon receiving a yellow fever vaccination, obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever. The CDC website has a list of yellow fever vaccination clinics.

4. Discuss with your physician malaria prevention medications. Malaria risk is in all areas of Somalia. Doxycycline, atovaquone/ proguanil or mefloquine are anti-malarial drugs recommended by the CDC for Somalia. Note that chloroquine is not effective for malaria prevention in Somalia. Follow the doctor's instructions for taking anti-malaria drugs. These drugs must be started before arrival in a malaria risk area and continued for up to 4 weeks after departure.

5. Use insect bite prevention techniques. There are many insect-transmitted diseases, such as malaria and dengue, in Somalia. There have also been outbreaks of Rift Valley fever, which may be transmitted through insect bites. Wear long sleeves, a hat and long pants outdoors. Remain indoors during dawn and dusk, the peak time for insect bites and use insect repellent. These techniques will reduce the risk of insect bites.

Tips & Warnings

• Yellow fever vaccination certificates are valid 10 days after immunization and remain valid for 10 years.
• Check with a medical doctor about other travel related medications, such as over-the-counter diarrhea medication.
• Visit the U.S. State Department website frequently for updated warnings, bulletins and alerts regarding travel to Somalia. Be advised that the U.S. embassy may be closed and the U.S. may have no U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia.
• Advise a medical doctor regarding any conditions that may affect the immunization process, such as pregnancy, breast-feeding or a suppressed immune system.

Resources

• Visit the CDC website.
• Check the U.S. State Department website.
• Visit the World Health Organization website.