Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from or transiting through Sub-Saharan Africa — even if you yourself were not in a yellow fever zone. This is an entry requirement, not optional. Get your yellow fever jab at a NICD-accredited port of entry health centre and always carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination, ICV).
Core Vaccinations — Keep These Updated
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
Booster every 10 years. Check your vaccination record. Available from your GP or Dis-Chem pharmacy clinic.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Two doses required for lifetime protection. Check your records — many SA students are missing the second dose.
Hepatitis B
3-dose series. Most SA students received this through the national programme — confirm your records. Essential for all international travel.
COVID-19
Up-to-date vaccination recommended. Some countries still require proof. Check entry requirements for your destination 4 weeks before departure.
Destination-Specific Vaccinations
Bali / Indonesia and Southeast Asia
Transmitted via contaminated food and water. 2-dose series covers you for 25+ years. Get the first dose at least 2 weeks before departure.
Oral or injectable. Protects for 3–7 years. Especially important if eating local street food (which you absolutely should).
Risk is very low in urban Bali/Seminyak areas. Higher if spending time in rice fields or rural areas. 2-dose course over 28 days.
Dengvaxia (dengue vaccine) is only for people who have had dengue before. For first-timers: use DEET insect repellent, wear long clothes at dawn/dusk, stay in air-conditioned rooms where possible.
Europe and UK (Barcelona, London)
No destination-specific vaccines required. Core vaccinations (Tdap, MMR, Hep B) should be up to date. Confirm COVID requirements. If travelling via regions with yellow fever risk, carry your yellow card.
Tip: Hepatitis A is still recommended as a precaution, particularly if you plan to eat at local markets and restaurants regularly.
Dubai / UAE
No special vaccines required for the UAE. Core vaccinations (Tdap, MMR, Hep B) must be up to date. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from Sub-Saharan Africa — always carry your yellow card.
Where to Get Vaccinated in South Africa
Travel Clinics (Recommended)
Specialized travel medicine clinics issue the yellow card and stock all travel vaccines. Examples: Clinix Health Group, Netcare Travel Clinics, AMCARE, MedTravel SA. Search "travel clinic near me" on your medical aid website.
Yellow Fever Centres
Only NICD-accredited yellow fever vaccination centres can issue the official ICV (yellow card). Find your nearest centre at nicd.ac.za. Cost: approximately R400–R600 including the certificate.
Dis-Chem / Clicks Pharmacy Clinics
Good for standard vaccinations (flu, Tdap, Hep A, Hep B). Cannot issue yellow fever. Quick, no appointment needed. Costs vary: Hep A approx R400–R600/dose.
Medical Aid Coverage
Discovery Health, Momentum, Bonitas cover some vaccinations under preventive care benefits. Check your plan — some vaccines may be covered in full. Call your medical aid before booking.
Health preparation is part of what we guide you through
When you join our platform, we provide destination-specific health guidance — including vaccination requirements, local healthcare tips, and emergency medical contacts. Join free to get started.
Join free — R149 Living Profile