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.
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.
Whether or not you need the following injections for Ghana can be determined together with a medical professional. Book a free telephone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses to create a personal assessment .
Most travellers
Some travellers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Contact our prescribing nurses at least six to eight weeks before travel for advice on vaccinations for Ghana
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
Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019
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