The archipelago of Seychelles is an exotic destination popular with tourists from all over the world. However, before taking advantage of the heavenly beaches and breathtaking scenery this archipelago has to offer, it is essential to find out about the necessary vaccinations for a safe journey. Some foreign trips may require specific vaccinations or warnings against certain diseases.
No compulsory vaccinations for Seychelles, but some are recommended
There are no compulsory vaccinations for children or adults wishing to enter the Seychelles. However, it is strongly recommended that you are up to date with your universal vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) so that you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind. Some additional vaccinations are also recommended to ensure a safe stay:
Yellow fever vaccine
The yellow fever vaccine is not compulsory for travellers coming directly from Europe or the United States. However, if you are coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, or if you have spent more than 12 hours in transit in such a country during the 6 days prior to your arrival in Seychelles, then the vaccine will be required. Make sure you obtain your yellow fever vaccination certificate before departure, as it may be requested on arrival.
Hepatitis A and B vaccines
Hepatitis A is a viral disease that generally affects non-immunised travellers. Visit vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended before travelling to the Seychelles. Similarly, hepatitis B is a disease transmitted through blood and body fluids, and it is also advisable to get vaccinated before you leave, especially if you are planning risky activities such as water sports or close contact with the local population.
Other recommended or useful vaccines
Other vaccinations may be recommended by your doctor, depending on your age, medical history and the length of your stay. These include
- Typhoid: particularly recommended for long journeys in unhygienic conditions;
- Cholera: although rare in the Seychelles, a cholera vaccine may be considered for certain people with health problems;
- Rabies: generally recommended for tourists planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in rural areas.
Preventing mosquito-borne diseases in Seychelles
Vector-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and chikungunya, are common in Seychelles. Although there is no vaccine for these diseases, it is essential to adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of contamination:
Use an effective mosquito repellent
Regular use of mosquito repellent is a key measure for avoiding mosquito bites. It is important to apply it to all exposed parts of the body, following the instructions on the packaging.
Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net
If your accommodation does not have windows or screen doors, sleeping under an insecticide-treated mosquito net can be an excellent way of protecting yourself against mosquitoes.
Wear long, loose-fitting clothing
To limit mosquito bites, we recommend you wear loose-fitting, long clothing (long sleeves and long trousers), preferably light-coloured. You can also treat your clothes with an insect repellent for added protection.
Contraindications and side effects of vaccines: practical advice
It is important to find out about any contraindications or side-effects of vaccines before you are vaccinated. Everyone reacts differently to vaccines, so a visit to your GP will help to identify whether or not you can benefit from a particular vaccine.
Contraindications
Contraindications may be linked to allergies to the components of the vaccine, to a particular state of health (pregnancy, serious illness or immunodepression), or to the patient's age. For example, some vaccines are not recommended for newborn babies, while others are not authorised for the elderly. Check with your doctor to take these factors into account.
Potential side effects
Most vaccines are safe and cause only mild, temporary side effects, such as slight discomfort, pain at the injection site or fever. However, there are always exceptional risks of severe allergies or serious complications that may require medical treatment. It is therefore important to talk to your doctor before receiving any vaccine.
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