Begin the immunization process early. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends being immunized at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. If this is impossible, see a doctor as soon as possible to begin the immunization process. Immunization requirements change often. CDC website has updated information on recommended and required vaccinations for Zimbabwe. It recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and polio. Typhoid is recommended for southern Africa, especially in small cities and rural areas.
Be current on all routine immunizations. These vaccinations include measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), polio, influenza and chickenpox. A family physician can discuss the appropriate immunizations and provide boosters or vaccinations if needed.
Check the itinerary. Neither Zimbabwe nor its neighbors are in the yellow fever endemic zone, and yellow fever vaccination certification is not required unless you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. If traveling to Zimbabwe from a yellow fever area, obtain an International Certification of Vaccination (ICV) for yellow fever. The certificate must be issued at least 10 days before arrival and is good for 10 years. The CDC has a list of yellow fever immunizations clinics and a list of yellow fever areas.
Ask a medical doctor about preventatives. Except for the cities of Harare and Bulawayo, all of Zimbabwe is at risk for malaria. Anti-malarial drugs effective in Zimbabwe are atovaquone/ proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. Chloroquine is not effective in Zimbabwe. Purchase prescribed anti-malaria drugs in the U.S. and take according to doctor's instructions. Atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline should be started 1 to 2 days before arriving in Zimbabwe or other malaria risk areas. Start mefloquine 1 week before traveling to Zimbabwe or a malaria risk area. Continue the medications for up to 4 weeks after leaving a malaria risk area.
Review the World Health Organization (WHO) website for bulletins and alerts about Zimbabwe. Current information about health conditions is available there.
