Risk / Health Info for Ghana

What vaccinations do I need for Ghana?

For a trip to Ghana recommended immunisations include:

• hepatitis A
• tetanus
• typhoid
• yellow fever.

Canadian Travel Clinics can help you work out what vaccines you need for West Africa. As there have been outbreaks of cholera on Ghana, it may be worth considering a shot for cholera.

Parts of Ghana lie in the African meningitis belt, so talk to your advisor about a meningococcal meningitis vaccine. The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

There have been outbreaks of pneumococcal meningitis in Ghana and those who are vulnerable to pneumococcal bacteria should ask about a pneumococcal vaccine. This group includes those with respiratory or heart disease; those who have had an invasive pneumococcal disease; and those with cochlear implants.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles bodily fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

There have been cases of rabies in Ghana and if you are going to a remote area or if you will be working with animals consider getting a vaccination against rabies. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Ghana, even if you have had the shot.

What are the hospital facilities like in Ghana?

In Ghana there are few medical facilities outside the main towns. Expect to be evacuated if you need complex treatment. This means travel health insurance is a must when you go to Ghana.

Malaria in Ghana

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Ghana 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 Ghana

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 Ghana. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

yellow fever in Ghana