Risk / Health Info for Gambia

What jabs should I get for The Gambia

The health requirements for The Gambia may seem complex, but our experts can advise you.

You should consider shots for typhoid and hepatitis A as these illnesses are food-borne or water-borne and it is hard to avoid catching them even if you are very careful about what you eat and drink.

Some travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. Children can pick up the virus via cuts or grazes. Also, frequent and long-stay travellers are at greater risk as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

The Gambia is in the African meningitis belt so think about getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccine, particularly if you are travelling during the dry season (December to June). The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

What about a yellow fever shot for The Gambia? It is possible to contract this mosquito-borne disease in The Gambia, and you may need a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever for onward travel. The shot gives lifelong immunity and your yellow fever certificate is proof of this. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another yellow fever vaccine.

Are there hospitals in The Gambia?

Healthcare facilities in The Gambia are limited. You may need to pay for medical evacuation if you fall seriously ill so it is a good idea to get travel insurance before you go to The Gambia.

Will I be able to get hold of medication in The Gambia?

Some medications that are commonly prescribed in the Canada and the U.S. are illegal in The Gambia, including codeine and diazepam. Check with The Gambian embassy before your travel. If you need to bring prescription medications to The Gambia keep items in their packaging and have a copy of your prescription.

Malaria in Gambia

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Gambia at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Gambia

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Gambia. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

yellow fever in Gambia