Monastery on a mountains side, Tigray Region, Ethiopia Mountain, Ethiopia

Travel Vaccinations for Ethiopia

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Ethiopia

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

Hepatitis A - Adult
From £79
Yellow Fever + Certificate
From £84
Meningitis ACWY + Certificate
From £64
Hepatitis B
From £59
Cholera (oral)
From £44
Typhoid vaccine
From £49
Rabies IM
From £89
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
From £49
There is a risk of Malaria in Ethiopia. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

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Goats walking around, Ethiopia

Destination Information for Ethiopia

Ethiopia, found on the Horn of Africa, is the second most populated country in Africa, and the oldest independent country on the continent. Ethiopia is a dramatic, extreme and adventure-filled country, filled with incredible wildlife and historical treasures. Ethiopia has much to offer for visitors not least the scientific communities belief that this country could be the cradle of mankind. The ancient Ge’ez script, which is also known as Ethiopic is one of the oldest alphabets still in use.

The natural attractions of the country include not only the arid desert vista’s with which we’re likely familiar, but also beautiful mountains, lakes and waterfalls. As we previously mentioned both historians and scientists believe that Ethiopia was home to the beginning of mankind, and fossils of some of the oldest humans to be found, which are 3.5 million years old, were discovered in the north of the country. If you’re out for adventure, make sure you visit the volcanic lake in the Danakil Depression, said to be the hottest and most inhospitable place on earth! Ethiopia’s capital, the city of Addis Ababa in the Entoto Mountains is the starting point for most tourists. From here you can join organised tours to see some of the spectacular views and ancient religious sites, from castles to hidden tombs.

Addis Ababa is also where you’ll find the National Museum and the Ethnological Museum, with enough to see to satisfy the most curious of travellers. For those wanting to experience the wild side of Ethiopia, head to the Bale Mountains National Park, a stunning landscape with incredible views and a dense concentration of wildlife. While you’re in the country, make sure you sample a cup of fresh coffee – it’s here that the humble coffee bean was first discovered!

Travel vaccinations are essential when visiting the country, with a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required upon entry to the country, for anyone above 9 months old as there is a risk in parts of the country.  Also recommended is Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio vaccine. Other vaccines to protect you against Rabies, Meningitis ACWY and Cholera are also necessary depending upon your itinerary.

You should also be prepared for the high risk of malaria, and at London Travel Clinic we provide a range of antimalarials. If there happens to be a risk of altitude for you then make sure to book an appointment and discuss this at your consultation.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

Malaria and regions within country:

There is a high risk of P.Falciparum and P.Vivax malaria throughout the country, excluding the city of Addis Ababa where there is no risk. In high risk areas anti-malarial medication is recommended.

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

Rift Valley fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that usually affects domesticated animals (such as cattle and sheep), but can also infect and cause illness in humans. The majority of human infections are caused by direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

African tick bite fever

Bacterial infection from bite from infected ticks. Most common between April-November and in rural, camping and hiking areas. Causes redness around site of bite and symptoms usually within 2 weeks, such as fever, muscle pain, headache and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. Avoid swimming in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes if you can. You often don't have any symptoms at first, but after a few weeks may develop a rash, high temperature, cough, diarrhoea and joint pain. Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication that kills the worms.

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Additional Health Risks Information for Ethiopia

Travellers planning a trip to Ethiopia should avoid visiting areas close to the border, and certain areas of the Somali region, due to the possibility of violent clashes, protests and border disputes. In all other areas of the country you should travel with extreme caution, and as part of a group if possible. There are official and unofficial roadblocks in place throughout Ethiopia, and while foreigners are not usually the target of violence, it is easy to get caught up.  Some parts of Ethiopia are high risk for malaria and Yellow fever, it is advisable to visit a Travel clinic to get the necessary vaccines, medications and advice before you travel.

The heat of Ethiopia and difficult terrain in many areas make travelling by road difficult. Vehicles and roads are not well maintained. You should always carry enough fuel for your entire journey, along with plenty of food, fresh drinking water and a well-stocked medical kit. It’s recommended to take a satellite telephone in case of emergency. Never leave your vehicle unattended.

Addis Ababa is home to a number of public hospitals, but the standard of treatment is poor in all except private clinics. Water-borne diseases such as cholera and bilharzia are common. Make sure that you have all recommended vaccinations before you travel, and that you have adequate insurance in place which covers medical evacuation if necessary.

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