Malaria

Waestrel

I am off to africa to work in september - to burkino faso to be exact. WHat vaccinations should i get, and where should i get them?

dory

Just go to your own GP. They usually have a book they take out and it tells them what you need and what the chance of malaria is in that place.
Dont' bother with the Tropical Medical Bureau. It's very expensive for the same thing.

Civilian_Target

Burkina is lovely, but a couple of things to be aware of:
- Recent reports from MSF suggest there is serious underlying measles problem, particularly in Ouagadougou
- I'm told that there's increasing instability, due in part to the new regimes in Cote d'Ivoire and Niger. Check on the political situation before you leave
- Not very many people speak English. Even basic French will help you a lot.

I was there last year, and really enjoyed it. If you go without a visa, they issue you a 48 hours temporary visa at the airport - then go to a Ministry of Interior Affairs office to renew it. I went to the one in Bobo-Dialasso, and it was hastle-free.

September is the end of the dry season. Essential vaccines will be yellow fever, measles booster, tetanus booster and hepititus. Get a decent anti-malarial if you're staying in Ouagadougou or in the South-west of the country (near Bobo, Bamfora or the Ghanian border). The rest of the country is drier, so malaria is less of a problem, you may not need a full time anti-malarial.

Enjoy your stay! The people are really friendly, and there are some fantastic street parties. Absolutely take the time to visit the Bamfora Falls and Ranch de Nagiza.

Civilian_Target

Ah yeah, knew I was forgetting something - get a Typhoid vaccine too, and a good water filter bottle!

Karamoja

A water filter bottle? What's that? Sounds like some sort of bear grylls jobby. He said he's working over there, not backpacking, I'm sure everything will be provided. Don't weigh yourself down with gadgets you don't need. Also, you can't be vaccinated against malaria if that's what you were asking.

Waestrel

thanks for the replies. I suppose i will just go down to my local GP for the various shots and such?

Civilian_Target

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LifeSaver_bottle