Congo vaccinations: which ones do you need?

Are you travelling to the Congo soon? This travel advice provides you with information about the climate, places of interest and health risks in the Congo. It is important to know that vaccinations are recommended. In most cases these are not mandatory, unless you enter the country from a country where yellow fever is prevalent. Which precise vaccinations you require for your trip to the Congo is dependant on the duration of your stay in this beautiful country in the heart of Africa.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo – also known as Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo – is a vast country in central Africa that is bordered by Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola and other countries. The climate in the Congo is affected by the varied landscapes. In the east and south are plateaus and mountains and in the west you’ll find the lower situated Congo Basin. This allows for various tropical and savannah climates. The best time to travel to the Congo is very much dependant on where you want to go since the seasons are exactly reversed on each side of the equator. The Congo has all the ingredients for an adventurous trip: spectacular rivers, waterfalls and mountains, and a wide variety of wildlife. Also, Kinshasa – one of the largest cities in Africa – with its many markets and bustling nightlife is a definite must-see. Regardless of your travel plans for the Congo, always take into account the risk of diseases and mosquito bites. Malaria occurs in DR Congo. Our skilled KLM Health Services nurses can tell you exactly which vaccinations you require and provide advice on additional measures you can take to minimise health risk during your stay. Click here to make an appointment with one of our nurses.

Congo vaccinations: the most common risks

In the Congo, various (tropical) diseases occur to which you are likely not resistant. The right vaccines can protect you against these. Please view our list of the most common health risks and diseases in DR Congo and read which specific vaccinations you require.

Chikungunya

In this country Chikungunya is prevalent. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary.

Dengue

In this country dengue fever is prevalent. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary.

DTP

Vaccination against DTP is recommended for all travelers to this country.

Hepatitis A

Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers to this country.

Hepatitis B

Vaccination against hepatitis B depends on your personal situation. Please contact KLM Health Services for a personal advice.

Malaria

In this country there is a risk of getting malaria. Protection against mosquito bites is necessary during day- and nighttime. Sometimes malaria tablets are recommended, please contact KLM Health Services.

Meningococcal

Vaccination against meningococcal depends on your personal situation. Please contact KLM Health Services for good and personal advice.

MMR

Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccination (BMR vaccination in Dutch) is recommended for travelers to this country who are not protected against measles yet. This includes children from 6 months and up who have not yet received their childhood MMR immunization.

Rabies

Vaccination depends on your personal situation. In this country mammals could be infected with Rabies. Avoid contact with mammals. Please contact KLM Health Services for good and personal advice.

Schistosomiasis

In this country Schistosomiasis is prevalent. Please contact KLM Health Services for personal advice.

Tuberculosis

Vaccination against tuberculosis depends on your personal situation. Please contact KLM Health Services for personal advice.

Yellow Fever - compulsory

In this country Yellow Fever is prevalent. Vaccination is COMPULSORY FOR ALL TRAVELERS.

Zika virus

In this country Zika virus is prevalent. A good protection against mosquito bites in the daytime is necessary.

A healthy trip to the Congo: prepare for your trip with our tips

Make your trip to the Congo as pleasant as possible and avoid unexpected surprises. Below you will find helpful tips and tricks to prepare yourself for your journey.

Our KLM Health Services’ Doctor Connect service allows your to contact a KLM Health Services expert 24/7, either by telephone, text message or WhatsApp. Not only in case of emergency but also if you have doubts. Subscribe to Doctor Connect.

Seemingly innocent things such as food, water and bright sunlight can pose a risk to your health during your travels. Want to know what measures you can take to reduce these health risks? Please read our travel tips.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice helps you prepare for safety risks during your stay abroad. The travel advice, for example, tells you which regions are safe and to which regions you should not travel. Sometimes there are security risks. If this is the case, please be alert or, preferably only travel to the country concerned if genuinely necessary. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a central telephone number for travellers, which can be reached 24/7. Please call: +31 247 247 247.

Schedule a vaccination for Congo? Make an appointment!

Please make an appointment online for your Congo vaccinations. An overview of our branches can be found here. Do you have any other questions about immunisations for Congo? Please feel free to contact us and send an email to travelclinic@klm.com. You can also visit our frequently asked questions page.

Vaccination required for the above risks?

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