Do You Need Vaccinations for Madagascar?

Yes, certain vaccinations are recommended for travelers going to Madagascar. Preparing in advance can protect your health during your trip.

Key Features:

• Yellow Fever vaccination is required if arriving from a risk area.
• Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Tetanus.
• Malaria is present there, so prophylactic medication is recommended.
• Measles and COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged.
• Carry proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if applicable.
• Apply for a Madagascar eVisa before arrival

Plan Your Madagascar Trip With an eVisa Today

Why Vaccinations Are Important for Madagascar Travel

Madagascar offers some of the most unique wildlife and beautiful views you’ll ever see. It’s also a place where you need to think about your health before you go. The tropical climate and isolated regions of Madagascar can make accessing medical care challenging. The risk of illnesses like malaria and typhoid highlights the importance of taking a few precautions.

If you’re coming from a country where Yellow Fever is present, you’ll need that vaccine to enter. Even if it’s not mandatory for you, getting vaccines like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, or Rabies is still worth considering. It really depends on where you’re headed and what kind of activities you’re planning. A bit of preparation can help you stay healthy and make the most of your Madagascar adventure.

Recommended Vaccines for Madagascar Travelers

So, are vaccinations necessary for visiting Madagascar? While no shots are mandatory for travelers from non-Yellow-Fever countries, several are strongly recommended. These include:

• Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food or water, it's one of the most important vaccines for Madagascar.
• Typhoid: Especially important if you’ll be eating in local restaurants or street markets.
• Rabies: It is essential if you plan to explore rural areas or participate in outdoor activities where animal exposure is possible.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): Make sure your booster is up to date. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): A recent global increase in measles cases makes this shot important.
• COVID-19: Strongly encouraged, especially if you’re traveling through airports or urban areas.

Note: Speak with a travel health specialist. Do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to ensure you’re fully protected.

Other Health Precautions for Madagascar

Beyond vaccines, it’s also important to think about your overall health and safety while in Madagascar. Malaria is common, so pack mosquito repellent and consider taking anti-malarial medication. It’s also wise to bring a basic travel health kit with things like diarrhea meds, antiseptics, and water purification tablets.

Stick to bottled water. Be cautious with raw fruits or vegetables unless you’re certain they’ve been cleaned properly. If you take regular medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire trip. This is because pharmacies outside of Antananarivo may be limited. Also, remember to get travel insurance that covers your emergencies.