Travel Vaccines and Advice for Cameroon
Cameroon is home to famous national parks and is noted for its biodiversity.
It is known as “Africa miniature” because of its diversity. It is home to over 200 different linguistic groups. The country also houses the tallest mountain in sub-Saharan Africa, Mt. Cameroon. The capital of Cameroon is Yaounde, which is located in the south-central part of the country.
Tourism in Cameroon is steadily increasing. Tourists are also fond of the cultural traditions and superb hospitality provided by the locals.
Do I Need Vaccines for Cameroon?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Cameroon. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Cameroon: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions of Cameroon. Active transmission has been reported in multiple areas over the last year. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
While polio is not currently present in Cameroon, it is at a high risk for outbreaks. Single adult booster is recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Cameroon |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions of Cameroon. Active transmission has been reported in multiple areas over the last year. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
| Polio | Food & Water | While polio is not currently present in Cameroon, it is at a high risk for outbreaks. Single adult booster is recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Cameroon |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
There is a risk of contracting the dengue or malaria while in Cameroon. Both mosquito-borne diseases are potentially life-threatening. Be sure to use mosquito repellents and consider taking a antimalarial medication.
There is a threat of meningitis due to the country’s location in Africa. Travellers should receive a meningitis vaccine, especially if visiting between December and June.
Traveller’s diarrhea is a risk for those visiting Cameroon. Make sure to include a traveller’s diarrhea kit on your packing list.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Cameroon
“The practitioner was very informative and knowledgeable about my specific travel requirements for Cameroon. She went above and beyond to research previous travel vaccines so that I could update my vaccine documentation. Always a plus, she was great at giving the vaccinations!”
“The nurse is wonderful. She is knowledgeable, organized and was very patient. She answered all of our questions about Cameroon and provided instructions which were easy to follow.”
“Friendly, organized, and very knowledgeable. She spent as much time as it took to explain all the issues, options, etc. for Cameroon. We did not feel rushed, and she listened well.”
Do I Need a Passport for Cameroon?
All Canadians require a visa for business and tourism purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of application. If you are working in Cameroon for an extended period of time, you must also obtain a resident card soon after you arrive. Proof of vaccination against polio is also required to enter the country.
Cameroon Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Cameroon? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
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| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Cameroon and Canadian Travel and Tourism
If your visit to Cameroon is longer than four weeks, individuals must also show proof of a polio vaccination.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Cameroon?
The climate in Cameroon is very diverse.
The south is very hot and dry from November to February, and the rainy season lasts from June to October.
Temperatures in the North are more diverse. The rainy season is from May to October. Inland, the grasslands tend to be much cooler than coastal regions and experience regular rainfall.
The best months to visit Cameroon are January through April.
How Safe is Cameroon?
Travellers should exercise a high level of caution when visiting Cameroon. The Boko Haram terrorist group is active and targets foreign residents, tourists, and government leaders in northern regions. Boko Haram is also responsible for dozens of suicide bombings in the North and Far North region.
Avoid travelling to the north and far north regions, parts of eastern Cameroon, and the Adamawa regions. These areas experience a high level of violent crime and terrorist threats.
Travellers should also exercise extreme caution when travelling within 100 kilometres of bordering countries. While visiting, monitor security messages from the embassy for updates.
Dja Faunal Reserve
The Dja Faunal Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest and best protected rainforests in Africa as 90% of the area is undisturbed. It is home to 107 mammal species, including 5 that are threatened. The Dja Faunal Reserve is often noted for its biodiversity, and primate habitats. For travellers who seek to witness the untouched natural beauty of Africa, the Dja Faunal Reserve is a must-see.
What Should I Pack for Cameroon?
Cameroon is not your average destination and requires a bit extra travel preparation. Make sure you bring the following items with you:
- Insect repellent to help ward off mosquitoes and ticks. There is a risk of contracting Zika in Cameroon. Take appropriate precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
- A rain jacket and umbrella. Especially if you are travelling to Cameroon during the rainy season.
- A pair of good walking boots for hikes. There are numerous beautiful hiking trails available to tourists. Hiking boots are highly encouraged as some of these trails can be treacherous and muddy.
- Electrical adapters. There are both French and UK plugs throughout Cameroon.
- Cool cotton garments are great for the heat in Cameroon. It important to dress modestly when attending religious sites.
- Water purification tablets if you plan on camping or visiting remote areas.
Canadian Embassy in Cameroon
The High Commission of Canada in Cameroon offers services to Canadians travelling in the Central African Republic, Gabon, and Cameroon.
High Commission of Canada
Avenue Rosa Parks
Yaounde, Cameroon
Phone: (237) 22220-1500
Fax: (237) 22220-1500 x4531
Visit the Embassy to Cameroon website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Cameroon?
Do I Need a Passport for Cameroon?
What is the Climate Like in Cameroon?
How Safe is Cameroon?
Dja Faunal Reserve
What Should I Pack To Cameroon?
Canadian Embassy in Cameroon
