Travel Vaccines and Advice for Uganda
The east African country of Uganda was called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. That title is unsurprising if one looks at the sheer beauty of the country.
In Uganda is the world’s longest river, the Nile, snowy mountains, and wildlife reserves. The country has a diverse culture, comprised of more than 50 local tribes, each with their own traditions and history. There’s also a lively night life, particularly in Kampala, with tons of parties, bars, and dance floors around.
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Uganda. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Uganda: 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 –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Areas of active cholera transmission include the districts of Amudat, Hoima, Kagadi, Kasese, Kisoro and Kyegegwa. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended 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) - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Uganda |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Areas of active cholera transmission include the districts of Amudat, Hoima, Kagadi, Kasese, Kisoro and Kyegegwa. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended 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) |
Routine Vaccinations for Uganda |
||
| 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. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Malaria spreads through infected mosquitoes. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites and take antimalarials.
Chikungunya and dengue, two other mosquito-borne diseases are also present in the region.
There is a risk of yellow fever in Uganda. All travellers over the age of nine months must be vaccinated for entry.
The PHAC recommends travellers planning on visiting certain parts of Uganda during the dry season (December – June) receive a meningitis vaccine.
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 Uganda
“My consultant was very efficient, thorough, informative and very pleasant. I was given a full understanding of the drugs I would need for an upcoming trip to Uganda and a schedule as to when best to take the drugs. I was able to start right away. She was also very helpful in outlining which drugs could be paid for by OHIP and which would not. I was so impressed, I decided to also get my shingles shot rather than go to my doctor. On top of that, I was early for my appointment and they took me right away. I let my travelling colleagues know about the clinic.”
“The nurse was very professional and was very knowledgable about all the travel vaccinations required for my upcoming trip to Uganda this year. She was informative and helped me make decisions on which vaccinations were “must haves” in order to reduce and lower my risk of contracting illnesses while abroad. As a competitive IRONMAN Triathlete, racing exclusively around the world this year, I knew I couldn’t take any chances. With my nurse’s advice, I’m vaccinated and ready for my world travel and racing this year! Thanks!”
“Easy to access via TTC. Arrived, greeted and waited less than 5 minutes to meet with a wonderful and knowledgeable nurse. Thoroughly discussed all the information prepared for Uganda and the recommendations/advice was excellent! Will recommend to everyone.”
“We found the staff to be professional, knowledgeable and courteous. They took the time to explain matters fully and answer all our questions about Uganda.”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
A passport with validity of at least 6 months past the expected departure date from the country is required to enter Uganda. You also must have a visa for all tourist and business purposes; it is recommended you obtain a visa before you arrive.
Uganda Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Uganda? | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Uganda and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Uganda?
The equator runs through Uganda making the climate is very warm. The average annual temperature around 25 degrees. Nights can get chilly with temperatures reaching around 15 degrees.
There is a rainy season from March to May and from October to November. In November and December there is light rain.
How Safe is Uganda?
The Canadian Government rates Uganda as a medium threat for terrorism. Travellers are advised to stay away from large public gatherings.
Uganda has a large amount of crime. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft are common. Travelling alone after dark is not recommended. Food and drink should also not be left unattended as there have been cases of drinks being drugged. Travellers should maintain awareness and caution when travelling.
Nile Rafting
Both experienced and novice white water rafters can come and explore the Nile River on a floating raft. There a large number of experienced companies and individuals who serve as guides on these trips. There are waterfalls and gorgeous white rapids to experience. There’s also tandem kayaking or riverboarding available.
What Should I Take To Uganda?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Uganda:
- Money Belt – Due to pick-pocketing, a money belt will help keep your money and passport safe.
- Bug Spray – The climate in Uganda is hot and humid. There are plenty of bugs, including mosquitoes, which can carry malaria.
- Sweater – While it’s generally very warm in Uganda, it can get chilly at night.
- Sunscreen – Uganda is on the equator and has losts of direct sunlight.
Canadian Embassy in Uganda
When travelling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Canadian Embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
Canadian Consulate in Uganda
Jubilee Insurance Centre,
14 Parliament Avenue,
Kampala, Uganda
Telephone: 256 (414) 258-141
If you have any questions about travelling to Uganda or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Uganda?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Uganda?
What is the Climate Like in Uganda?
How Safe is Uganda?
Nile Rafting
What Should I Take To Uganda?
Canadian Embassy in Uganda
