Travel vaccinations for Kenya
From a stay in Nairobi or a safari to a coastal holiday in Diani or Watamu, Kenya's travel health advice depends on the areas you visit. Yellow fever recommendations differ between the coast and other regions, while malaria risk also varies by location. Book a free travel consultation to review your entire itinerary.
Vaccines recommended for most travellers
These are recommended for most people visiting this destination. Your pharmacist confirms what you need at your free consultation.
Depending on your trip
Your pharmacist may also recommend these, depending on where you are going, what you will be doing and how long you are staying.
Beach holiday on the coast? Yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended if you are only visiting Mombasa or the coastal areas of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tana River, which include Diani and Watamu. Malaria tablets are still recommended.
Going on safari? Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most of Kenya, including the Masai Mara, Tsavo and Lake Nakuru. Malaria risk is high across most of the country, so malaria tablets are recommended.
A polio booster for some trips, given as the diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccine. Dengue vaccine if you have had dengue before. MMR if you are not up to date.
Yellow fever and malaria
What applies to this destination, and how we can help before you go.
Yellow fever
Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and over for most of Kenya, including the Masai Mara, Tsavo East, Tsavo West and Lake Nakuru. It is generally not recommended for travel only to Nairobi, Mombasa, North Eastern province, or the coastal areas of Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Malindi and Tana River, which include Diani and Watamu. People aged 60 or over should not have the vaccine for travel only to these areas. A certificate is required for travellers over 1 year old arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Yellow fever vaccination at our Registered Yellow Fever CentreMalaria
High risk across most of Kenya, so malaria tablets are recommended. Very low risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands above 2,500m.
Malaria prevention advice for your routeDengue, chikungunya, Zika, schistosomiasis, measles and tuberculosis.
Ask our pharmacists how to reduce these risks, including how to avoid mosquito and animal bites.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro. Travel health advice can change. For the latest outbreaks and country health alerts, visit TravelHealthPro. Our pharmacists check current guidance at your consultation.
View the TravelHealthPro country pageHow it works
Book your free consultation
Choose your appointment online, with same-day appointments available every day. Reserve your visit now, with no payment at booking.
Get advice for your trip
Meet a travel-trained pharmacist in our private clinic room. Discuss your itinerary, vaccination history and health needs.
Arrange your vaccinations
Agree your vaccination plan, prices and dose schedule with us. With vaccines in stock, you can plan around your departure date.
What our patients say
Frequently asked questions
What vaccines do I need for Kenya?
Hepatitis A, typhoid and a tetanus booster are recommended for most travellers to Kenya. Depending on individual risk, polio, yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis B, meningitis ACWY and rabies vaccinations may also be recommended. Dengue, chikungunya, measles and tuberculosis are other travel health risks. Your specific destinations matter particularly when assessing yellow fever vaccination.
Do I need malaria tablets for Kenya?
Yes, for most trips. Malaria risk is high across most of Kenya, so malaria tablets are recommended. The risk is very low in Nairobi and highland areas above 2,500 metres. If your journey combines Nairobi with other parts of Kenya, include all destinations so the advice reflects your whole trip.
Is a yellow fever certificate required for Kenya?
A certificate is required if you are over 1 year old and arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Separately, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most of Kenya, but generally not for travel only to Nairobi, Mombasa, North Eastern province or the listed coastal areas, including Diani and Watamu. Our pharmacists can check your route.
Do I need yellow fever for a beach holiday in Diani?
Generally not, if you are only staying on the coast in areas such as Diani. Yellow fever vaccination is not usually recommended for travel only to these low-exposure coastal areas. If you are adding a safari or other parts of Kenya, it is usually recommended. Travellers aged 60 or over should not have it for a coast-only trip.
Book your free travel consultation
Same-day appointments every day at 156 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. Open every day until 9pm. Book 6 to 8 weeks before you travel if you can, but last-minute trips are welcome.
