Get a full list of the vaccines you need for Gambia, and learn about the risk of diseases and the best ways to protect yourself while away.

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.

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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.

To have a personalised assessment, book a free phone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses.

Most travellers

Yellow fever

10 days before arrival

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Anytime before arrival

Typhoid

2 weeks before arrival

This vaccine is for most people going to risk areas. Amongst others, particularly people travelling to areas with poor sanitation should have the vaccine. Under special circumstances, you can have the vaccine less than 2 weeks before arrival. Book a free phone consultation for further information.

Protection

3 years

Certificate

Not required

Doses

Price

£35 per dose

Based on a standard programme for adults. Read more

Hepatitis A

Anytime before arrival

Some travellers

Rabies

3 weeks before arrival*

Hepatitis B

4 weeks before arrival*

Meningitis

10 days before arrival

This vaccine protects against a serious disease that can cause blood poisoning. A vaccination certificate may be required, so make sure to check before you leave. Under special circumstances, you can have the vaccine less than 10 days before arrival. Book a free phone consultation for further information.

Protection

5 years

Certificate

Required for some travellers

Doses

Price

£60 per dose

Based on a standard programme for adults. Read more

Cholera

2 weeks before arrival

This vaccine is taken as a drink. It is especially recommended for aid workers and people who travel in areas with poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water. Under special circumstances, you can have the vaccine one week before arrival. Book a free phone consultation for further information.

Protection

2 years

Certificate

Not required

Doses

Price

£29 per dose

Based on a standard programme for adults. Read more

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.

Malaria is a serious disease spread by the bite of a mosquito causing severe flu-like symptoms. Early diagnosis is essential as the disease can be potentially fatal if not treated quickly. Precautions like using a mosquito bed net and repellents will help to avoid infection.

Symptoms can include feeling hot and shivery with a high temperature of over 38 ℃, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Pregnant women, children and the elderly are particularly at risk of a severe reaction to malaria.

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.

The dengue virus is spread through the bite of mosquitoes. The disease can be mild and pass in about a week without causing any ongoing problems, but in rare cases dengue can be more serious and potentially life threatening.

Symptoms include high temperature, nausea, a red rash and in more severe cases, severe stomach pain, bleeding gums and loss of consciousness.

People at higher risk include long-term travellers and humanitarian workers, who are going to areas where dengue is widespread, while all travellers are at risk during outbreaks.

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.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from bites include:

using insect repellent that contains 50% DEET
using no more than 15-30% DEET on children
using alternatives to DEET on children younger than two months old
wearing loose, protective clothing and socks and shoes instead of sandals
sleeping under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide
being knowledgeable of where mosquitoes are commonly found

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.

You can reduce your risk of consuming contaminated food and water by:

avoid eating and drinking at places where the hygiene is questionable
washing hands frequently and using alcohol gel
only having water and other drinks from sealed bottles and cans
avoiding raw or undercooked foods, such as meat, fish or shellfish
avoiding street food, unless it is cooked in front of you and served hot
avoiding uncooked fruit and vegetables, unless you wash and peel it
avoiding unpasteurised dairy products, like milk, cheese and ice cream
brushing teeth with boiled or bottled water
only eating cooked food, served hot
avoiding tap water and ice cubes
avoiding buffets
avoiding salads

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 Speak with one of our prescribing nurses at least six to eight weeks before travel for advice on vaccinations for Gambia

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

Content reviewed by

Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019

Health tips for travellers: How to prevent food- and waterborne diseases

Do you often get diarrhoea while travelling? You may have had contaminated food or water, which can also cause food- and waterborne diseases.

Health tips for travellers: How to prevent insect bites

Infected insects can cause serious diseases like malaria. So, remember to prevent insect bites while away. Don't know how? Read our tips.

Vaccinations for Gambia

01. Vaccine list

Most travellers

Yellow fever

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Typhoid

Hepatitis A

Some travellers

Rabies

Hepatitis B

Meningitis

Cholera

02. Other health risks in Gambia

Malaria

Dengue

03. Precautions for Gambia

Mosquitoes

Food and water

04. Useful contacts in Gambia

05. Checklist for your trip to Gambia

Related articles

Health tips for travellers: How to prevent food- and waterborne diseases

Health tips for travellers: How to prevent insect bites

Vaccinations for
Gambia