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

Vaccinations for
Ghana

Is Ghana your next destination? As you are planning your trip, the following information about vaccinations for Ghana is important to keep in mind.

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Book your vaccinations

01. Vaccine list

Here is an officially recommended list of vaccinations for Ghana. This list states important information and should be considered during your preparation.

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

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

Not required

Doses

Price

£50 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 Ghana

There are other serious health risks in Ghana, than the ones listed above, and these do not have preventative vaccinations. Below is a list of a few.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in Ghana, quite generally throughout the country and throughout the year, and the risk is highest during the night.

If you are going to Ghana, antimalarials are recommended because of the high risk. However, it is important to know that there is multidrug resistant malaria in all areas in Ghana with a risk of the disease. It is therefore a good idea to get advice on what antimalarials are effective in the country, so you make sure you are protected.

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

Dengue is present throughout the country and throughout the year. In order to avoid contracting dengue while in Ghana, you should practice meticulous mosquito bite repellent techniques all day long.

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 Ghana

It is important to take precautions during your stay in Ghana, 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 Ghana, 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 Ghana 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 Ghana 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 Ghana

The following contacts may be useful while in Ghana.

The British High Commission Accra The British High Commission Accra can assist you, if you are in need for urgent help. You can call them on + 233 302 213 250.

Local emergency medical services For emergencies requiring medical assistance, dial +233 193.

Medical facilities and practitioners Here is a list of medical facilities and practitioners in Ghana, prepared by the British High Commission Accra, in case you get ill while you are abroad.

05. Checklist for your trip to Ghana

Check if you need vaccinations Book an appointment at your local pharmacy at least 6 to 8 weeks before travel to get vaccinated

Yellow fever certificate Check the yellow fever certificate requirements upon entry in Ghana, as they are subject to change

Travel insurance If you become ill in Ghana and did not receive the right vaccinations before you left, your travel insurance can become void. So, make sure to check before you leave

Mosquito protection Ensure you have everything you need to minimise your chance of mosquito bites while in Ghana, including DEET insect repellent

Note useful contact numbers Note useful contacts with you in case of an emergency while in Ghana

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.

Content reviewed by

Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
20 June 2019

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.

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 forGhana

01. Vaccine list

Yellow fever

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Typhoid

Hepatitis A

Rabies

Hepatitis B

Meningitis

Cholera

02. Other health risks in Ghana

Malaria

Dengue

03. Precautions for Ghana

Mosquitoes

Food and water

04. Useful contacts in Ghana

05. Checklist for your trip to Ghana

06. How to book your travel vaccinations

Related articles

How to prevent food and waterborne diseases

How to prevent insect bites

Vaccinations for
Ghana