Vaccinations and Medicine

What vaccinations do I need to visit Eswatini?

You can read the latest recommendations from the Center for Disease Control at the following website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/eswatini

On its official website, the Kingdom of Eswatini states:  “It is wise to be up to date on tetanus, polio and diphtheria (now given as an all-in-one vaccine), and hepatitis A. Anti-Malarial pills are only needed if travelling to the eastern side of the country.”  (see http://www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/travel-advice/)

Hepatitis A Vaccine – If you get a booster after your initial Hep A vaccine after 6 months and before one year, you will be immunized for 20 years.

Tetanus -If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years you need to get another one.

Malaria – Eswatini boasts that it has nearly eliminated malaria as of 2016, and cases of malaria are rare.  However, outside organizations including the CDC suggest that precautions be taken especially if traveling to eastern Eswatini (our team does travel to the eastern regions). Malaria medicine is recommended all year long where we will be in Eswatini, so we still need to take precautions even though it will be winter when we are there. The recommended medicine is Malarone because it has the least amount of side effects. It is taken once a day starting the day before you enter Eswatini, for the duration of your stay there, and then for seven days afterward.

Should I bring an antibiotic?

In addition to vaccinations, may travelers obtain a prescription for Cipro or Zithromax. These are antibiotics that can treat infectious diarrhea that won’t stop after trying Imodium or Pepto-Bismol. It is recommended that you have a 3-day supply with you on the trip.

Where can I get my vaccinations and/or prescriptions?

First, check with your primary care physician. If your PCP cannot assist you with these immunizations and medicine, you may try searching for a travel clinic near you at the International Society of Travel Medicine website: https://www.istm.org/clinic-directory/

Contact them as soon as possible. There can be a long wait to get an appointment. If you have previously been to the a travel clinic for your immunizations they can also write you a prescription for Malarone or Cipro/Zithromax.

Make sure you tell your physician that you are going to Eswatini (you may have to say “Swaziland”) and the dates you will be away.

What if I take regular medications?

If you take medication on a regular basis for anything, (sinus, asthma, allergies, blood pressure, etc.) prescription or non-prescription, make sure you have enough for the time you are away. You may need to make plans now in regard to your prescription plan coverage in order to get your medication. Bring all of your medication with you in your carry-on luggage.

<< back to Team Resources