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

Vaccinations for
Morocco

Morocco is a lovely destination, popular amongst UK travellers. However, there are risks of infectious diseases, so you should make sure to have vaccinations for Morocco before you go.

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01. Vaccine list

Below, you can see the recommended vaccinations for Morocco. Whether or not you will need any of the listed vaccines depends on the places you will be visiting, your current medical health and the nature of your travels, among other factors.

To have a clear plan of injections for Morocco based on your needs, book a free telephone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses.

Most travellers

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*

02. Other health risks in Morocco

Vaccinations for Morocco unfortunately do not cover all health risks in the country. In these cases, it is important to be cautious and apply the avoidance tips to remain safe.

Morocco presents a risk of contracting schistosomiasis infection, transmitted by snails living in freshwater such as lakes, rivers, streams or ponds. The best practice is to avoid swimming in fresh water altogether.

Travelling to Morocco presents exposure to insect and tick-borne diseases such as leishmaniasis, an infection caused by sandfly bites, and west nile virus, contracted through mosquito bites. Both insects are active in the evening, so it is best to practice insect bite avoidance procedures at night both indoors and outdoors, as these insects are present in wooded areas and in homes. In both cases, symptoms can oftentimes be painless or unnoticeable. If you experience fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss or muscle aches, contact a medical professional rapidly to avoid further infection.

03. Precautions for Morocco

Once you have your travel vaccinations for Morocco, it is important to take further precautions during your stay in the country, as other diseases can be spread in many different ways and the risk can increase at anytime.

Insects and ticks

Two types of leishmaniasis are currently found in Morocco. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is present in rural areas, particularly in Er Rachidia, Ouarzazate, and Tata Provinces, including the High Atlas mountain region (Azilal and Essaouira Provinces), Marrakech Province, Agadir and Tiznit Provinces. Visceral leishmaniasis transmission is present throughout Morocco, including in Fes, Marrakech, and the southwest Atlas region. Peak transmission happens from June through September.

Risk of west nile virus is present in Morocco. It is therefore important to practice mosquito bite avoidance precautions throughout the night when travelling throughout the country.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from bites include:

wearing protective clothing and shoes instead of sandals
tucking pants into socks when hiking in wooded areas
being aware of where insects and ticks are commonly found
spraying your home or room with an insecticide
using a repellent containing 20-30% DEET
avoiding outdoor activities at night
sleeping under a bed net treated by repellent
avoiding tall grasses and shrubs
carefully examining your body, clothing, gear, and pets for ticks before entering a dwelling

Freshwater

There is currently a very low risk of schistosomiasis in Morocco. The country is awaiting evaluation and verification from the World Health Organization (WHO) to confirm the end of the risk.

The last cases were in the provinces of Béni Mellal, Chtouka Aït Baha, El Kelaa Des Sraghna, Errachidia, and Tata.

Food and water

All travellers going to Morocco should take care with food and water hygiene, as there is a risk of typhoid and hepatitis A, which are both transmitted through contaminated food and water.

If you are visiting friends or relatives in Morocco 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 Morocco

These are some of the most important services you may need while in Morocco.

British Embassy Rabat The British Embassy Rabat can provide you with assistance while you are there. You can reach them by calling +212 (0) 537 633 333.

Local emergency medical services For emergencies needing medical assistance, dial +212 150 or call SOS Médicins to speak to a doctor at +212 (0)5 22 98 98 98.

Medical facilities and practitioners In the case that you may get ill while in Morocco, the British Embassy Rabat has prepared a list of medical facilities and practitioners in Morocco with relevant information readily available for you to find reputable medical help quickly.

05. Checklist for your trip to Morocco

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 Morocco

Polio vaccination certificate The polio vaccination certificate requirements for Morocco are subject to updates, so you should check before your departure

Insect protection Bring everything needed to avoid insect bites while in Morocco, including DEET insect repellent

Travel insurance If you become ill in Morocco 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 Keep a list of useful contacts to take with you to Morocco in case of an emergency

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 tick bites

Whether you are a city or an outdoor traveller, you may be at risk of tick bites. So, check the risk on your destination and prevent tick bites while away.