Yellow fever certificate for SA?

[Mtgoat]

I seem to have a propensity for convoluted travel routes. This year, I will be flying DEN - IAD - ADD (Addis Ababa) - JNB - KIM (Kimberly, SA). Although I will have only had a 5 1/2 hour layover in Ethiopia, will I need to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter South Africa? I do understand that if I have spent any time in Ethiopia, it is necessary. I just want to confirm about it in the case of the a layover.

From what I can find online, it appears that the answer is "yes" but I thought I should check with you guys before I spend the money for the vaccination.

 

[Diamondhitch]

They probably wont check for it but I wouldn't chance it. I flew 2x through Dakar, which also has a Yellow fever risk, before I found out it was a requirement and was luckily never asked for proof of vaccination. Of course on that route we did not deplane so maybe that was the kicker.

 

[BRICKBURN]

I also stopped in Dakar Senegal for an hour on the way. An endemic YF area.

I asked RSA Home Affairs about the requirement for YF vacs if I just landed and stayed on the plane. They said yes.

I got the shot. It's good for ten years.

This is also where I got to learn about the spray bomb to control all those mosquitos that wait to jump onto international airlines cabins while they sit on the tarmac. Obviously a big enough risk they spray every plane.
NOT my favourite surprise.

As Diamond said, they may not check. I have never been checked. But....

 

[James.Grage]

checked online - easy to do.

The answer to your question is yes.

Visiting with our travel DR on Monday the 17th, When you step off the airplane you will need to follow the RULES.

1st you will need to see what immunization you will need for Ethiopia.
2nd you will need to see what immunization you will need for South Africa.
3rd you will need to see what immunization you will need from Ethiopia to South Africa.

I just visited with a person on Monday traveling to Ethiopia and his shot list was great.
like Hepatitis A&B, Rabies, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, and the list went on.

I seem to have a propensity for convoluted travel routes. This year, I will be flying DEN - IAD - ADD (Addis Ababa) - JNB - KIM (Kimberly, SA). Although I will have only had a 5 1/2 hour layover in Ethiopia, will I need to have a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter South Africa? I do understand that if I have spent any time in Ethiopia, it is necessary. I just want to confirm about it in the case of the a layover.

From what I can find online, it appears that the answer is "yes" but I thought I should check with you guys before I spend the money for the vaccination.

 

[sestoppelman]

I try to avoid these kinds of routes. I dont mind the shots themselves but they are getting expensive and YF is a series of shots if I recall, at least two. I had all those when I went to Tanzania years ago but not since. For RSA you dont really need any shots except those you may choose to have, unless you travel thru YF areas as noted. Going direct from the US to RSA, no shots required. I always get an IG boost, and DPT boost before I go, but thats about it.

 

[Mtgoat]

I always get an IG boost, and DPT boost before I go, but thats about it.

What's IG?

 

[sestoppelman]

What's IG?

Immuno globulin, not sure about the spelling. They always advise it to ward off possible blood poisoning due to handling of dead animals, blood products, feces etc.

 

[Mtgoat]

Immuno globulin, not sure about the spelling. They always advise it to ward off possible blood poisoning due to handling of dead animals, blood products, feces etc.

Thanks.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Here is the RSA policy page on the subject.

http://www.dfa.gov.za/consular/2010/yellow%20fever%20policy%20sa.html



Live vacs for YF are one shot.
You generally have to book in advance. It expires and they do not like to keep it around to long and they also run out.

You'll get your little yellow card and drag it with you.


Yellow Fever Vaccine - Part 4 - Active Vaccines - Canadian Immunization Guide - Public Health Agency of Canada

It takes at least ten days before you are considered vaccinated, so don't delay in the planning.

Other vacs require more planning ie. Twinrix for HepAB it takes several shots over time line of months.