An essential aspect to ensure your Africa trip is both enjoyable and safe is securing the necessary travel vaccinations. While requirements and situations may vary from one African country to another, let me at least guide you through the process of obtaining travel vaccinations in Dubai, UAE. Because, surprisingly, resources about this process are difficult to find. So, shall we?
Travel Vaccinations for a trip to Africa
Required (and optional) travel vaccinations vary from one country to another across the vast continent of Africa. Each region presents different health considerations, so it's essential to conduct your research and gather feedback from friends, family, or fellow travelers about the specific situation of the country you plan to visit.
In my case, when I traveled to Uganda, I found that although it's part of the Meningitis Belt, a vaccine wasn't mandatory, and I didn't feel the need to get one during my trip. However, I did take certain travel vaccinations and safety precautions, including:
- Yellow Fever (mandatory)
- HEPA A (Optional)
- Malaria Tablets (Optional)
For Uganda, obtaining the Yellow Fever vaccination was my first step, as it's required for the Uganda E-Visa Application. However, this may not be the case for other countries, so be sure to check the specific requirements accordingly.
Travelers' Vaccinations Guide in Dubai, UAE by Emirates Health Services
Doctor Consultation & Getting the Vaccines
To be honest, I naively assumed that obtaining a Yellow Fever vaccine would be as simple as walking into a clinic and requesting it. However, I quickly learned that my approach was far too simplistic. After repeatedly searching Google with the keyword โYellow Fever Vaccine near me,โ I realized that this strategy didn't get me anywhere.
In Dubai, accessing travel vaccinations involves a systematic approach that begins with consultation and concludes with certification. Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Book a travel consultation with a GPย (General Practitioner). During the consultation, provide detailed information about your destination, travel duration, planned activities, and accommodation preferences to ensure personalized recommendations.
- Check Insurance Coverage for Travel Vaccinations. Travel vaccinations are additional expenses so it doesn't hurt to check with your Insurance Provider if it's covered by your policy. Initially, DHA told me that I would have to pay for all travel vaccinations. However, upon checking with my insurance provider, I was relieved to find out that travel vaccinations were covered, except for the Malaria Tablets.
- Get the necessary Travel Vaccinations.
Now that you have a better understanding of the travel vaccinations you need and the overall process, it's time to book your clinic visit. I booked mine by calling DHA at 800 60 and informed them of my preferred clinic - Al Barsha Health Center.
Al Barsha Health Center
Al Barsha Health Center was recommended to me by friends who have obtained their Yellow Fever vaccinations there. Upon knowing that, I did not bother to explore other clinics offering the same service. However, if Al Barsha Health Center isn't conveniently located for you, I recommend reaching out to DHA or the nearest clinic to inquire about their availability of travel vaccinations.
Al Barsha Health Center, located behind Al Barsha Pond Park, operates 24/7. However, it's worth noting that while the center itself is open 24 hours, the availability of general practitioners (GPs) may vary. The center is a two-story building with a pharmacy, making it convenient to obtain any necessary medications, including Malaria Tablets, in a single visit.
Appointment for the Travel Vaccines
During my appointment, these are the steps I went through which is a normal process.
- Register your details with reception using your Emirates ID and Insurance card.
- Consult with the GP to discuss vaccination requirements tailored to your travel plans.
- Proceed to the designated station to receive your travel vaccinations.
- Obtain your International Certificate of Vaccination and any necessary prescriptions, such as Malaria Tablets.
With your Yellow Fever certificate in hand, you're now equipped to fulfill visa requirements (if applicable). Once your visa is ready, you are one step closer to embarking on your African journey!
