Information on this page is only intended as a guide to the travel vaccinations recommended for this country
Democratic Republic of Congo is a country in central Africa. It borders Congo Brazzaville, Rwanda and Central African Republic
Recommended Travel Vaccines for Democratic Republic of Congo
| ALL TRAVELLERS | SOME TRAVELLERS | COURSE* | |
| Diphtheria | Anytime before travel 1 dose | ||
| Hepatitis A |  | 2 weeks before travel 1 dose | |
| Tetanus | | Anytime before travel 1 dose | |
| Typhoid | | 2 weeks before travel 1 dose | |
| Yellow Fever | | 10 days before travel 1 dose | |
| Cholera | | 6 weeks before travel 2 doses | |
| Hepatitis B | | 3 weeks before travel 3 doses | |
| MMR | | 1 month before travel 2 doses | |
| Rabies | | 4 weeks before travel 3 doses |
*Vaccination schedules are approximate and are calculated based on the first dose. Schedules are subject to change depending on your individual needs and will be discussed in your appointment. These are the minimum times required to complete courses or for vaccines to become fully effective. You can always start your course of vaccinations earlier than stated, as vaccines work best when your body has time to process them. Your Travel Nurse will discuss any health implications in your appointment
Yellow Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo
There is a risk of Yellow Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age.
Malaria Risk in Democratic Republic of Congo
Malaria is present in Democratic Republic of Congo.
There is no vaccination for Malaria, you will need to take Antimalarial tablets as it is a high risk area. We recommend you have a consultation with our expert Travel Nurses to talk through your Antimalarial medication options.
For a detailed map of the Malaria risk in this country, click here (Source: fitfortravel)
Other Health Risks
Chikungunya in Democratic Republic of Congo
There is a risk of Chikungunya virus in this country. Spread by mosquitos, Chikungunya virus is widespread across Africa, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent and the Philippines. Occasionally, the virus can be found in other countries where the mosquito that spreads Chikungunya can also be found. There is no vaccination against Chikungunya, it is important to protect yourself with bite avoidance products like DEET. For more information – click here.
Schistosomiasis in Democratic Republic of Congo
There is a risk of Schistosomiasis in this country. A parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia), Schistosomiasis is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water, when the parasitic worm enters through the skin. Usually, no symptoms are felt until 2-4 weeks after exposure, when fever, diarrhoea, cough or a rash can occur as the parasites move around the body. Long term disease can lead to damage of the bladder, kidneys, bowel, liver and genital tract. Prevention is dependent on avoidance of swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams. For more information – click here.
Dengue Fever in Democratic Republic of Congo
There is a risk of Dengue Fever. It is spread by a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti, otherwise known as the ‘tiger mosquito’ which mainly bites during the day. The illness is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics, affecting over 100 countries with approximately 50 million cases globally a year. Currently most infections occur in SE Asia, South and Central America, Mexico, Africa, Indian sub-continent, Hawaii and the Pacific. There is currently no vaccination against Dengue Fever, it is therefore important to protect yourself during the day with bite avoidance products like DEET. For more information – click here.
We recommend you book a consultation with one of our specialist Travel Health Nurses to determine the exact vaccinations recommended for you based on a bespoke risk assessment that will take into account your itinerary, medical history, activities and length of travel, which are all risk factors affecting your immunisation recommendations. If you would like to book with us please call 01341 555 061 or click here. For the most up to date information, visit Fit For Travel and search for the countries you are travelling to.
