Innoculations for South Africa

 Below is a list of all the necessary innoculations that you MUST  have before you travel to South Africa in July . These  injections are compulsory , you will NOT be travelling if you haven’t got them , mainly for your own safety but also South Africa immigration will not let you in without them , if for some reason you object to them  or can’t have them you must talk to me immediately .

Most of the vaccines you should have had as a child , from my records most of you have although a few haven’t .

        You should have had :

       Diphtheria, Tetanus , polio , meningitis, measles, mumps and rubella

       You may have had the necessary boosters for :

       Diphtheria, tetanus , polio ,

You should have had these between 13 and 18 years old , if you haven’t you WILL need the booster as the original injection only lasts for 10 years.

       You must have now :

       The boosters mentioned above , also

       Typhoid  , Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B ( Hepatitis B is a course of 3 injections you MUST have at least 2 before you go with the third on your return, although I would prefer you to have all 3 before we go , they can be done 1 month apart so you have plenty of time ).  

You may be told by the nurse / doctor that you don’t require Hepatitis B , but this is passed on from  bodily fluids  ie sweat , blood etc , as you will be playing rugby I have decided it is a must. The vaccinations can be done by your local practitioner and are free except  Hepatitis B , I understand it is £20 per injection but can still be done at the surgery.

They  may ask where your travelling as in parts of South Africa  Malaria is still a problem , however we are NOT travelling to any area’s at risk, the main one being the Kruger National park , there is no risk whatsoever in the Pilansberg safari park .

They may also suggest a rabies vaccination as it is a risk in South Africa , it isn’t a particularly nice injection and in my opinion not necessary , we are always close to a main hospital where a bite can be treated quickly and effectively .

Lastly but very important , you will need to ask for a vaccination record card , this is a must  and is necessary to get into South Africa , I will want to see this card at the very latest by the beginning of July.

 None of you should experience anything more than a sore arm from the injection’s  , a few may get some reaction but it should not be a problem ,it may however be sensible to have them sooner rather than later so that you don’t have to have them during your exams .

 

  More information regarding health and safety will be posted as it becomes necessary, please take it all very seriously.