Afghanistan

Find Out What Vaccinations You Need For

Afghanistan is a country located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Despite its tumultuous history, Afghanistan is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and hospitable people. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Kabul, marvel at the towering Hindu Kush mountains, and experience the vibrant bazaars and delicious cuisine. However, due to ongoing security concerns, it is recommended that tourists exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities before traveling to Afghanistan.

Routine Immunizations

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations before traveling. Note that many vaccines that are now considered "routine" were not available until recent decades so you may not have received them at all, depending on your age and other factors. Here are a few specific vaccines we would like to call your attention to:

Flu, RSV and Covid-19: Make sure you are up-to-date to minimize your risk of ruining your trip due to illness.
Tetanus should be updated every 10 years especially if you're traveling.
Hepatitis A and B: Hepatitis B was not part of the routine immunization schedule in the U.S. until 1995 and hepatitis A did not become a part of routine childhood immunizations until 2006. So if you were born before 2005 you may need one or both of these vaccines. Many people opt for Hep A only because it is commonly spread through food and water, but Hep B spread through blood and other body fluids is essential too--especially if you find yourself in an under-resourced hospital in the developing world.
Polio: There is currently a global outbreak of polio and the U.S. CDC is recommending adults who have been fully immunized as children get a single life-time booster as an adult before traveling to many global destinations. The CDC's list of polio outbreak countries is constantly updating so check the CDC's polio list to see if your destination is on the list.

Infants, 6 to 11 months old should receive one dose of MMR and Hepatitis A prior to visiting Afghanistan. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.

Afghanistan Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Cholera Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Active cholera transmission is widespread in Afghanistan. Cholera is rare in travelers. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.
Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

About Cholera

Cholera can be a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria that is mainly spread through contaminated food and water. About 1 in 10 people infected with cholera experience severe symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, leg cramps and restlessness.

About the Cholera Vaccine

The cholera vaccine, Vaxchora, is a live, weakened form of cholera bacteria that is ingested in liquid form (rather than injected). The vaccine should be taken at least 10 days before travel to an area of active cholera transmission. The vaccine lasts about 3 to 6 months.

Malaria Prescriptions

CDC recommendations

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Afghanistan take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.
Find country-specific information about malaria.

About Malaria

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. Malaria can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice also occur.

About Malaria Prescriptions

There is no vaccine for malaria available in the U.S. but several medications are available that act to prevent malaria infections when taken regularly, according to their designated schedule. The type of medicine prescribed depends on several factors, including age of patient and travel destination.

Rabies Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

About Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease spread through the bite of rabid animals. The rabies virus infects the brain and spine of mammals, ultimately leading to death. Once the disease is established there is no effective treatment and most people die from it.

About the Rabies Vaccine

A 2-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccine is available. The vaccine provides protection against rabies for up to 3 years.

Typhoid Vaccine

CDC recommendations

The CDC recommends the typhoid vaccine to most travelers who are visiting Afghanistan. This especially applies to those staying with the locals or visiting smaller towns or rural areas.

About Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella bacteria spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, headache, stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhea.

About the Typhoid Vaccine

There are two typhoid vaccines available: a live, oral vaccine that is taken in the form of 4 pills over the course of a week and an injected inactivated vaccine. The vaccines should be taken (started in the case of oral typhoid) at least 2 weeks prior to travel if possible.

Talk to a travel health specialist

At Away Clinic we specialize in getting travelers ready for their trips to the world's most exotic destinations. We would be glad to assist you at the following locations:

Phoenix AZ Clinic

Chandler AZ Clinic

Scottsdale AZ Clinic

To set up an appointment, see our self-scheduling page, call us at (480) 712-8865‬, or email us.