• Cholera: There are three different strains of the bacteria that cause cholera. The vaccine gives good protection against the “classic” strain, 65% protection against the “El Tor” strain (currently the most common) but none against the newest strain (found mostly in the Indian subcontinent). The vaccine is offered as 2 injections or oral. As it is a live vaccine, it will not work if you are taking antibiotics. The vaccination is not often given in Canada and the U.S. but please ask your travel doctor about it, as there are options.
• Hepatitis A: This inoculation is only good for three months and becomes less effective over time. Therefore, it should be taken about a week before entrance into Uganda.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, are staying longer than 6 months or might be exposed through medical treatment.

Note: There is a vaccination that provides dual protection against Hepatitis A and B. Two shots one mon th apart followed by a shot after 6 months for lifetime immunity. You can take the last shot on your return.

• Measles/Mumps/Rubella: The CDC recommends that if you were born after 1957 you repeat the MMR vaccine.
• Meningococcal Meningitis: Prices may vary greatly depending on the frequency with which the hospital/clinic administers it, so please check around to get the cheapest price.
• Polio: The polio vaccine is good for 3 years. Therefore, if a booster has not been taken in the past three years, one should be administered.
• Tetanus and Diphtheria: The T/D vaccine is good for 10 years. Therefore, if a booster has not been taken in the last 10 years, one should be administered.

§   Typhoid: The typhoid inoculation is offered in three ways: 2 shots given 4 weeks apart, one shot, or four tablets taken orally (one pill every other day for 6 days).

Note: The pills must be refrigerated.

• Yellow fever: This is a requirement for entry into some countries so inform your doctor of all your travel plans. However, we suggest that you take the time to research and discuss with your physician before deciding to take it because the vaccine is active rather than passive.
• Malaria: This is quite common in Uganda. It is transmitted through mosquito bites. Simple measures can be taken to prevent being bitten, such as sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing insect repellent, and wearing long pants/shirts and socks after dusk. Drugs can be used for treatment and/or prophylaxis. Prevention measures mentioned above should still be practiced even when taking preventative drugs.  Please discuss with your travel doctor the side effects of all potential prophylaxis meds and any recommendations as to which ones might be better for short or long term use. Here are some of the common drugs taken to prevent malaria:

1.   Mefloquinine (also known as Larium): This is taken orally once a week, starting three weeks before entrance into Uganda and ending four weeks after returning home. It has been known to induce strange dreams and can have serious side effects in certain individuals.

2.   Paludrine (proguanil hydrochloride): This is taken on a daily basis, for one day prior to entry and 4 weeks after returning home.

3.    Doxycycline: An antibiotic taken daily for 2 days prior to entry and 4 weeks after returning home.

4.    Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil): Taken daily for 2 days prior to entry and 7 days after returning home. This drug does not have the side effect profile like Larium.

Note: There are vaccines that you may want to consider based on your intended travel plans during this trip (such as Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Influenza). Be sure to discuss your travel itinerary in detail with your travel doctor. Please keep in mind that most hospitals/clinics that administer vaccines will have some sort of travel advisory immunization list for each specific country. Due to the ever-changing nature of diseases and subsequent outbreaks, please use the most up to date source concerning required immunizations. The Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and World Health Organization (www.who.org) update their travel notices frequently.