Immunizations
Up-to-date routine immunizations, including tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox) and influenza, are important for all international travelers, regardless of destination. For those age 65 and older, asthmatics, and smokers, pneumococcal vaccine is also important.
All foreigners applying for study, training, or work permits for longer than one month are required to undergo human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in Egypt. Spouses of applicants are exempt, however.
Immunization | Comments |
Hepatitis A | Two-dose series recommended for all travelers to Egypt. The prevalence of hepatitis A is high. |
Hepatitis B | Three-dose series. Recommended for all travelers who make frequent trips to Egypt or who will spend six months or more in the country, and short-term travelers whose activities or occupation put them at high risk. Hepatitis A /Hepatitis B also available in a combined vaccine. |
Typhoid | One-dose vaccine or oral four-capsule sequence. |
Rabies | If you might be exposed to wild animals or infected domestic animals. Pre-exposure: three-dose series. Post-exposure treatment still required for animal bite or contact. Children are at higher risk than adults. |
Yellow Fever | There is no yellow fever in Egypt, so a yellow fever vaccination is not recommended, but it is required if you are entering Egypt from a yellow fever-endemic area (an area where yellow fever is known to be present) and are older than 1 year of age. Endemic areas include countries in Central/South America and Africa, but no countries on other continents. Egypt also requires vaccination if you are coming from a number of countries other than those classified as endemic by the World Health Organization. The requirement is designed to prevent introduction of yellow fever into Egypt. |
In addition to vaccines, prescription medications can be important.
Disease |
Comments |
Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) |
Travelers can carry an antibiotic to be used in case traveler’s diarrhea develops, or in some cases, as prophylaxis against traveler’s diarrhea. A quinolone antibiotic – such as ciprofloxacin – or azithromycin or rifaximin is generally prescribed. Check with your healthcare provider. |
You can protect yourself from other diseases by avoiding insect bites, especially mosquito bites, and making prudent food and beverage choices.