Vaccine Checklist for Living in Egypt
Vaccination can prevent specific diseases that cause temporary incapacitation, chronic illness, disability, and death. In Egypt vaccine preventable diseases (such as measles and chicken pox) are still common. In addition, there are some infectious diseases that occur in Egypt, as well as many other developing countries, for which there are vaccinations available.
Routine Vaccines for Adults
Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Unlike countries where most people are vaccinated as children, in Egypt the protection provided by the immunity of the majority of people is absent. Many diseases are much more serious when contracted as an adult. People who are not immune would be at risk of infection. See your health-care provider to make sure you are up to date for routine vaccines:
- diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (Td/Tdap)
- measles/mumps/rubella (MMR),
- polio (OPV/IPV),
- chickenpox (varicella), and
- influenza,
Click here for more information on which routine vaccinations adults should get.
Routine Vaccines for Children
Be sure your children’s routine vaccinations are up to date for their age.Unlike countries where most children are vaccinated, in Egypt protection provided by the majority of people being immune through vaccination is absent. A child who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection. See your health-care provider to make sure your children’s routine vaccines are up to date for their age:
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hepatitis B,
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diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DTaP),
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polio (IPV),
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Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib),
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rotavirus,
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pneumococcal (PPSV),
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meningococcal (MCV),
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influenza,
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measles/mumps/rubella (MMR),
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chickenpox (or varicella),
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hepatitis A,
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HPV.
Click
here to ceck which routine vaccinations children should get. Also contact your school as there may be specific vaccine requirements for entry.
Vaccines for Living in Egypt
Vaccination against the following diseases is recommended for adults and children (when age appropriate) who are living in Egypt:
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for all non-immune persons living in Egypt where 2-7% of people carry Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood or body fluids and medical or dental treatment (e.g. emergency treatment or dental work). Appropriate for all ages.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all non-immune people living in Egypt where exposure can occur through food or water. Appropriate for those over 1 year of age.
- Rabies: Recommended for people living in Egypt where there is a significant risk of exposure from domestic and stray dogs and cats. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites. Those who run, camp, hike, cycle or own/interact with domestic or stray animals are also at a higher risk. Rabies is a fatal illness which cannot be treated once contracted. The vaccine is available at a reasonable price locally in Cairo.
- Typhoid: Recommended for all unvaccinated people living in Egypt where exposure can occur through food or water. Injection appropriate for those over 2 years of age.
- Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Egypt, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you will be traveling from one of these countries you will need to produce a valid certificate of vaccination for yellow fever upon arrival in Egypt. If you know you expect to be traveling extensively in Africa or South America during your stay, or very soon after arriving in Egypt it is good idea to go ahead and get yellow fever vaccination prior to arrival as there are times when it is difficult to get locally. Click here for more information.
- Check with your employer and school for any additional vaccinations required.
- If you have previously been vaccinated for these diseases, check with your health care provider in case boosters are necessary.
Malaria Risk in Egypt
There is no risk of contracting malaria in Cairo, along the Nile, or other tourist areas. There is a very limited risk only in El Faiyûm area. Prophylaxis is not recommended. Measures to prevent mosquito bites are recommended to avoid discomfort and other mosquito borne illnesses such as West Nile virus.