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Southern Africa

🇿🇲 Vaccines for Zambia

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Zambia

Yellow Fever required if arriving from endemic countries. Malaria is endemic and antimalarials are essential. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Rabies worth considering for rural travel or safaris.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk throughout)
  • ⚠Schistosomiasis (Zambezi, Kariba, Luangwa)
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis essential. Avoid fresh water swimming (schistosomiasis).
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
South AfricaMozambiqueZimbabweMalawi
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Malaria tablets need to start before entering the country. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure.

Common questions
Do I need malaria tablets for Zambia?
Yes. Malaria is endemic throughout Zambia including Lusaka. Antimalarials are essential for all itineraries. South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and all safari areas carry significant malaria risk. Do not skip antimalarials for Zambia.
Do I need vaccines for Zambia?
No vaccines are universally required. Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from endemic countries. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Rabies is worth considering for safari and rural travel.
Is Victoria Falls in Zambia safe for malaria?
Victoria Falls (Livingstone) is in a malaria risk area. Antimalarials are recommended for visits to this region regardless of which side of the falls you're staying on.
What healthcare is available in Zambia?
Healthcare in Zambia is limited outside Lusaka. Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover. Ensure adequate supplies of prescription medications before you travel.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.