Travel Vaccines and Advice for Zambia
Located in Southern Africa, Zambia is a gorgeous country that provides travellers with a glimpse at beautiful wilderness and wildlife.
Though the country is landlocked, there are three rivers flowing through Zambia. One of the most popular landmarks is Victoria Falls, which is one of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also safaris for travellers to visit, without the large crowds that often come with safaris in Kenya or South Africa.
In the cities, there are also bustling markets, delicious restaurants, and a lively nightlife.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Zambia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Zambia
Health Notices and Outbreaks in Zambia
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Zambia?
What Is the Climate Like in Zambia?
How Safe Is Zambia?
Visiting Victoria Falls
What Should I Pack for Zambia?
Canadian Embassy in Zambia
Do I Need Vaccines for Zambia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Zambia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Zambia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- 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. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age, except travelling to the North West and Western Provinces. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - 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. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Zambia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age, except travelling to the North West and Western Provinces. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Zambia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| 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. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Polio – Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. The polio vaccine effectively prevents this virus. It’s a critical component of routine childhood immunizations worldwide and has been instrumental in nearly eradicating polio globally.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever is a serious, potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, characterized by fever, jaundice, and bleeding. The yellow fever vaccine, given as a single injection, offers effective, long-lasting immunity against the virus and is crucial for travellers to and residents of endemic areas in Africa and South America.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that can spread through close contact and respiratory droplets. Vaccination is the most effective way to halt their transmission. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, strengthens immunity, reducing the chances of contracting and spreading these diseases.
Malaria in Zambia
Malaria is widespread in Zambia. Antimalarials are recommended for all travellers to the country. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are often given to travellers to Zambia. Malaria parasite are resistant to chloroquine in the region. Be sure to consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarials are best for your itinerary and health situation.
Malaria is a serious threat in Zambia. Antimalarial medication is recommended for all travellers to the region.
Rabies poses some risk to travellers of various types. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if this vaccine is right for your trip.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Zambia
Prevent Bug Bites in Zambia
Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Food and Water Safety in Zambia
When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Zambia
- African Sleeping Sickness – Preventing African Sleeping Sickness involves wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent to avoid tsetse fly bites, which transmit the disease.
- African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
- Dengue – According to the PHAC, dengue fever, caused by a virus from mosquito bites, manifests through fever, headaches, and severe muscle pain. Preventative measures include using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. While no specific treatment exists, early medical intervention can mitigate severe complications.
- Rift Valley Fever – Rift Valley Fever spreads through mosquito bites and contact with infected animal tissues. Vaccination of livestock, mosquito control, and public health education are key measures to prevent RVF transmission to humans.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a common tropical disease, is transmitted via contaminated water. Effective prevention includes staying away from infected water sources and using protective clothing.
Health Notices and Outbreaks in Zambia
- Polio – At least one case of polio was reported in Zambia over the last 12 months. The PHAC and WHO advise all travellers to ensure their polio vaccination history is up-to-date. Adults who previously received a full set of polio vaccinations may need a single, lifetime booster dose.
- Cholera – A massive cholera outbreak in Zambia is still ongoing. So far, over 10,000 infections have been recorded with as many as 400 cases reported each day since October 2023. The majority of cases are in Lusaka. Travellers to any region of Zambia are advised to receive the cholera vaccine before their trip.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Zambia?
Travellers to Zambia must have a valid passport and visa to enter the country. It is best to get this visa before departing on your trip. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required based on your itinerary.
Zambia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Zambia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Zambia 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 Zambia?
Zambia is a country in Africa that has many popular places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Zambia are Victoria Falls, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park and Lake Kariba. Each place has its own climate and weather patterns.
Victoria Falls is a big waterfall that has a lot of water during the rainy season from November to April. South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park are places where you can see wild animals like lions and elephants. The best time to visit these parks is during the dry season from May to October. Lake Kariba is a man-made lake that’s good for fishing and water sports. The best time to visit for these activities is during the dry season from May to October.
It’s important to check the weather forecast before you travel to any of these places in Zambia. The weather can be different than usual sometimes, so it’s good to be prepared.
How Safe Is Zambia?
Zambia is usually a safe place to travel to, but it’s important to be careful. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in busy places. Look out for anything suspicious.
- Use taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber, especially at night. Don’t get into unmarked taxis or go with people you don’t know.
- Don’t show off valuable things like jewelry, cameras, or money.
- Keep your money and other valuables safe in a hidden pocket or money belt. Don’t show a lot of money in public.
- Follow local customs and laws. For example, some things that are okay where you live might not be okay in Zambia.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes. They can carry diseases like malaria. Wear long clothes and use bug spray.
If you do these things, you can have a safe and fun trip to Zambia!
Visiting Victoria Falls
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Victoria Falls is a big waterfall located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. People visit Victoria Falls to see this stunning natural wonder and to do fun activities there.
Some of the things that people can do include looking at the waterfall from different viewpoints, taking walks or hikes to see the waterfall and the plants and animals nearby, and going on water activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking or river cruises.
People can also take a helicopter ride to see the waterfall from above, or bungee jump off a bridge over the river for an exciting adventure. Victoria Falls has something for everyone, and it’s a great place to visit for a memorable experience.
What Should I Pack for Zambia?
When travelling to Zambia, it’s important to pack for the warm weather and be prepared for the country’s diverse terrain. Here are some important things to bring:
- Lightweight and breathable clothes made of natural fibers like cotton or linen. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent with DEET to protect against mosquitoes.
- Comfortable and sturdy shoes for walking or hiking. Closed-toe shoes are best for safaris.
- A camera and binoculars to capture Zambia’s amazing wildlife.
- A small first aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers. Bring any prescription medications you need.
- Cash in the local currency (Zambian kwacha) or USD, and travel documents like your passport and visa.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- A universal power adapter to charge your electronics.
By bringing these items, you’ll be prepared for a fun and comfortable trip to Zambia.
Canadian Embassy in Zambia
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 Embassy in Zambia
5210 Independance Avenue,
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel.: 260 (211) 250 833
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Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Zambia
“Friendly knowledgeable nurse. Answered all questions and provided updated info on required vaccinations for Zambia. Thanks”
“The Kitchener Passport Health clinic is an excellent place to receive your vaccinations for travelling, especially to Zambia. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend to my friends.”
“Very informative. Travel nurse was professional and knowledgeable. I also really liked the travel packet of papers about Zambia to bring with me.”
“The nurse was well-prepared for our visit, based on the on-line forms that we had prepared in advance. She was clear in outlining what was recommended for our trip to Zambia, and produced a written summary for us to take away, and followed up with an email. Our options were clear.”
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