Vaccination Recommendations for Travelers from Canada to Zambia

Required Vaccines

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends yellow fever vaccination for entry into Zambia from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and is recommended for all travelers to protect against the disease 3, 4
• Yellow fever vaccination must be documented with an International Certificate of Vaccination validated by an appropriate authority 1

Highly Recommended Vaccines

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends hepatitis A vaccination due to risk of foodborne and waterborne exposure in Zambia 5
• Typhoid vaccination is recommended, especially for those visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or who may consume food from local markets 5
• Ensure routine vaccinations are current, including influenza, particularly important for high-risk individuals 1, 5

Consider Based on Risk Assessment

• Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with new partners, receive medical/dental treatment, or have potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids 5
• Meningococcal vaccination is recommended if traveling during meningitis season or to areas with current outbreaks 4
• Cholera vaccination may be considered based on specific regional risks 1, 2

Timing and Administration

• Ideally, start vaccinations 4-6 weeks before departure to ensure adequate time for developing immunity 5
• Yellow fever vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid 4
• Multiple vaccines can be administered simultaneously without reducing effectiveness 4
• Yellow fever vaccine can be administered concurrently with hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and meningococcal vaccines 4

Special Considerations

• Yellow fever vaccine is contraindicated in persons with severe egg allergies, immunosuppression, or HIV with symptomatic manifestations 3, 6
• Pregnant women should generally avoid live virus vaccines like yellow fever 1
• Travelers with medical exemptions to yellow fever vaccination should obtain a waiver letter from their physician 3
• Blood donation should be deferred for 2 weeks after receiving yellow fever vaccine 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Failing to get vaccinations with enough lead time before travel (start 4-6 weeks before departure) is not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 5
• Not carrying proper documentation of vaccinations, especially the yellow fever certificate which may be required at border crossings 1, 4