Required immunizations for Senegal

MMR and Td/Tdap:

  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR):
    These are serious diseases and are prevalent in developing countries.

    • All GC students should have received these vaccinations as a child.
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap):
    Tetanus results when bacteria enters the body through a break in the skin. Diphtheria produces severe effects in the nose, throat and airway. Pertussis or whooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system.

    • A booster shot within the last 5 years is required for SST.
    • Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a booster dose of Tdap in place of one Td as an adult.

Hepatitis A:

  • This disease is very common in developing countries. The virus produces an inflammation of the liver which can be severe. Transmission occurs by consuming contaminated food or water.
  • One injectable Hepatitis A vaccine prior to departure is required.
    • To get long-term protection, a booster between 6 and 12 months after the initial dose is recommended.

Hepatitis B:

  • Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that affects the liver. Hepatitis B vaccine coverage is a series of 3 injections over 6 months.
    • 2 of 3 vaccines are required prior to leaving on SST. 3rd vaccine due 6 months after 1st.

Typhoid:

  • This disease is very common in developing countries and can be contracted from consumption of contaminated food or water.
    • Injectable vaccine: One dose to be repeated every two years for people who remain at risk.

Polio:

  • Polio can be a serious viral illness transmitted through contact with an infected person.
    • All GC students should have completed the polio vaccination series as a child. A booster dose is required.

Meningococcal Meningitis:

  • Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection. It is an infection of the fluid the brain and spinal cord. The disease is transmitted by inhaling infective respiratory droplets that are sneezed or coughed into the air.
    • A single vaccine against meningococcal meningitis is required.

Malaria:

  • Malaria is a serious disease that occurs when an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person, injecting malaria parasites into the blood.
  • Symptoms are flu-like and may include high fevers, shaking chills, muscle aches, headache, nausea and fatigue.
  • There are two different medications used to prevent malaria in Senegal:
    • Doxycycline 100 mg — One tablet taken orally, once a day, beginning two days prior to departure, daily while in the malaria risk area and continuing for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area.
    • Malarone — One tablet taken orally, once a day, beginning two days prior to departure, daily while in the malaria risk area and continuing for seven days after leaving the malaria risk area.

Yellow Fever:

  • Yellow fever is a serious viral disease transmitted by mosquitos.
    A yellow fever vaccination is affective for 10 years.

    • A single vaccine is required.

After SST:

  • Hepatitis A — A second dose 6 months after 1st is recommended for long term protection.
  • Hepatitis B — 3 doses are recommended. 3rd dose is required 6 months after 1st for long term protection.