Risk / Health Info for Malawi

Do I need vaccines for Malawi?

If you want to ask, ‘What shots do I need for Malawi?’, talk with a healthcare advisor at Global Travel Clinics. You can also get advice on protecting yourself from the gastro-intestinal illnesses, which are common during Malawi’s rainy season. The tap water may not be safe to drink so is best avoided. You can also get vaccines for some GI illnesses, such as hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malawi, like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, has a high incidence of meningitis. You should consider getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccine, before your trip. The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include:

• children
• frequent travellers
• long-stay travellers
• healthcare workers (including those working in 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.

What other health risks occur in Malawi?

Just over 10% of the adult population of Malawi is living with HIV. Take precautions to avoid exposure.

Altitude in Malawi

Parts of Malawi are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Malaria in Malawi

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Malawi 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 Malawi

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 Malawi. This condition is also known as bilharzia.