Direct answer
- Required: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Many travelers are not required but may be asked to show proof at entry.
- Recommended: Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, influenza), Hepatitis A, Typhoid.
- Consider: Hepatitis B, rabies (for long stays, children, or high animal exposure), meningococcal (if high-risk activities or outbreak), cholera (for some outbreak settings), and malaria prophylaxis (medication plus bite prevention — not a vaccine).
Details and timing
- Yellow fever: Required if arriving from an endemic country. WHO-certified vaccine given at least 10 days before travel. Many countries/airlines may ask for the certificate. Some travelers are recommended to be vaccinated based on itinerary.
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers; vaccine series should begin at least 2–4 weeks before travel (two doses given months apart; one dose gives good short-term protection).
- Typhoid: Recommended, especially if you will eat street food or travel outside major hotels. Oral or injectable vaccine given at least 1–2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for travelers with sexual contact, medical procedures, or longer stays. Series starts weeks before travel (can be accelerated).
- Rabies: Consider for long stays, remote travel, working/volunteering with animals, or children. Pre-exposure series is 3 doses over 21–28 days; if not vaccinated, post-exposure treatment requires prompt medical care.
- Routine adult vaccines: Ensure you are up to date on MMR (measles risk exists), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (routine booster), varicella, polio (some travelers need a booster), and seasonal influenza.
- Meningococcal: Consider if there is an outbreak or specific high-risk situations; required for Hajj but not routinely for Kenya.
- Cholera: Rarely required; oral vaccine may be recommended during active outbreaks or for humanitarian workers.
- Malaria prevention: No vaccine routinely required (except newer vaccines limited use); take appropriate antimalarial medication for areas below ~2,500 m where malaria occurs (coastal Kenya, western region). Use mosquito bite prevention (nets, repellents with DEET/icaridin, long sleeves).
Practical tips
- See a travel clinic or your healthcare provider 4–8 weeks before departure to allow time for vaccinations and series completion.
- Carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) for yellow fever and other records.
- Discuss itinerary (cities, rural, safari, coast), length of stay, planned activities, and medical history to tailor vaccine recommendations.
- Pregnant travelers should consult their provider; live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever) are typically avoided unless risk outweighs benefits.
- Stay updated: check CDC, WHO, or your country’s travel health advisory for current outbreaks and entry requirements close to departure.
Key resources
If you share your departure date, length of stay and itinerary (cities vs. rural/safari vs. coast), I can give a tailored vaccine checklist and estimated timing.