Just picked this up from a thread on SA4x4, Zambia board and thought it would be of interest and help here.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM ZAMBIA (including Livingstone)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised the Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Africa. The South African Department of Health has subsequently issued a statement that all travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required. All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.
The information that we have received indicates that owing to the short notice of the implementation, there will be a grace period until 01 July to accommodate travelling passengers, however we do encourage the requirement to be passed on to future travellers immediately.
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This is also from the same thread written by a friend of ours who is a paramedic working in Zambia
Ok, I can confirm that the SA govt HAS changed their policy towards YellowFever. Zambia IS now considered part of the YF danger zone.
I can understand the idiocy of someone walking over the bridge at Vic Falls into Zambia just to view from the other side and now needing a YF jab to be able re-enter SA. But one also needs to understand the view of the officials at the point of entry, how do they KNOW you weren't in a part of Zambia that MAY now be at risk? So unfortunately a blanket rule has to be applied.
Also, Yellow Fever is a VERY nasty disease, and does kill many people. SA cannot afford for an outbreak to occur, and thus takes measures to try and prevent it.
Bertie, according to my sources, there have been a few isolated cases, possibly due to infected DRC residents coming down and seeking employment along the copperbelt. Yellow Fever is similar to Malaria, in that a mozzie will bite an infected person, and then a couple of days later can pass the disease on again. I would like to believe that these cases are just isolated, but can understand the concern of the Health Departments too.
Guys planning a visit to one of the countries mentioned in the new SAA document, go get the jab. Its really not that bad Johann! And just think, not only are you innoculated, it lasts for 10 years! And if you go get the jab at one of the decent travel clinics mentioned, at least you know that its with good sterile equipment, and the "jabber" (nurse) knows what they are doing, not some palooka at an airport with dodgy hygiene standards.
While you are at the travel clinic, enquire what else is also needed or advised, like tetanus, Hepatitis, etc. Get them all in one go, then its over. And you and your family can have peace of mind.
M2cW
Gary
Margaret
Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:47 am
