Democratic Republic of the Congo

Find Out What Vaccinations You Need For

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country located in Central Africa, known for its vast rainforests, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. Tourists can explore the country's natural wonders, including the Virunga National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, and the Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa. The country also offers a rich history, with ancient rock art and colonial architecture to discover. However, travelers should be aware of safety concerns and political instability in certain areas of the country. It is recommended to travel with a reputable tour operator and stay up to date on current events before planning a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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 Democratic Republic of the Congo. This does not count toward routine childhood immunizations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Immunization Recommendations and Requirements

Cholera Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Active cholera transmission is widespread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 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 the Democratic Republic of the Congo 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.

Meningitis Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season.

About Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria spread through close contact with others. It can cause infection of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream.

About the Meningitis Vaccine

The meningitis ACWY vaccine helps protect against meningitis and blood poisoning caused by four groups of bacteria. The vaccine has been routine for 11 year-olds in the U.S. since 2005. A booster is recommended at age 16.

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 Democratic Republic of the Congo. 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.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

CDC recommendations

Required for all arriving travelers
≥9 months old

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old

About Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause high fever, muscle pain, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. It can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), hence the name "yellow fever."

About the Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccine is a one-time vaccine that confers life-long immunity to yellow fever virus. Many countries in Africa require proof of yellow fever immunity in order to travel. This requires that (a) yellow fever vaccine has been administered at least ten days prior to entry and (b) the international vaccination card has been properly filled out. The yellow fever vaccine is not available for infants under 9 months old. For travelers who are age 60 or over, or immune-compromised, a yellow fever waiver is often sufficient.

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.