Vaccinations for
Gambia
Now that you have started planning your trip, it is important to know the recommended vaccinations for Gambia. Read the following information to prepare before travelling and while abroad.
01. Vaccine list
Below is a list of vaccinations for Gambia that you should take into consideration for your upcoming trip.
Whether or not you need these injections for Gambia will depend on a variety of factors, like your medical history or the nature of your stay.
Book an appointment online to get vaccinated at your local pharmacy. If you are unsure as to which vaccinations you require, book a free telephone consultation with one of our medical advisors, who will create a vaccine plan based on your needs.
Most travellers
Some travellers
02. Other health risks in Gambia
As you go travelling, not all health risks in Gambia can be prevented with vaccines. The following things should thus be taken into consideration when planning your trip.
Malaria
There is a high risk of malaria throughout the country and all year round.
The use of antimalarials is therefore advised when travelling to Gambia, and you can talk to one of our prescribing nurses to make sure you get the best possible protection.
Avoiding mosquito bites during the night time by practicing the below recommendations helps reduce the risk.
Dengue
There is a risk of dengue throughout the country. To lower the risk of contracting the disease, it is best to prevent mosquito bites during the day by using repellents while in Gambia, as there is currently no medication or vaccination available for prevention.
03. Precautions for Gambia
It is important to take precautions during your stay in Gambia, as the diseases can be spread in many different ways and the risk can increase at anytime.
Mosquitoes
There is a risk of malaria and dengue fever in Gambia, and you cannot be protected against the diseases by vaccination.
Because of this, it is really important you protect yourself against the main cause of these infections, which is mosquito bites, during your stay in the country.
Food and water
All travellers going to Gambia should take care with food and water hygiene, as there is a risk of typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A, which are all transmitted through contaminated food and water.
If you are visiting friends or relatives in Gambia or are a long-stay traveller, you are at increased risk of consuming contaminated food and drinks, and you should therefore be extra careful.
04. Useful contacts in Gambia
Here, you will find a list of useful services in case of an emergency while in Gambia.
British High Commission Banjul If you are in Banjul and need urgent help, the British High Commission Banjul can assist you. You can call them on +220 4495133.
Local emergency medical services If you need urgent medical assistance while you are in Gambia, you can call the emergency number +220 16.
Medical facilities and practitioners To find reputable medical help quickly in case of an emergency, the British High Commission Banjul has prepared a list of medical facilities and practitioners in Gambia. The facilities listed here mention there is English speaking staff that can assist you.
05. Checklist for your trip to Gambia
Check if you need vaccinations Book an appointment at your local pharmacy at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel to get vaccinated
Mosquito protection Ensure you have everything you need to minimise your chance of mosquito bites while in Gambia, including DEET insect repellent
Travel vaccination certificate As requirements concerning travel vaccination certificates are regularly revised, double check before travelling whether they apply to you
Schistosomiasis protection To avoid the parasitic infection, you should avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in freshwater where possible
Travel insurance If you become ill in Gambia and did not receive the right vaccinations before you left, your travel insurance can become void. So, make sure to check before you leave
Note useful contact numbers List important contacts to take with you in case of an emergency in Gambia
06. How to book your travel vaccinations
If you already know which vaccinations you need, you can book a vaccination appointment at your local pharmacy.
If you would like to discuss your specific requirements with a medical advisor, book a free telephone consultation. A Practio nurse will give an individual assessment of your needs and recommend a suitable vaccination programme.
Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
20 June 2019
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