Travel Vaccinations for Ghana

Malaria

There is a high risk of malaria throughout Ghana all year round, including in Accra, Kumasi and rural areas. Plasmodium falciparum is the dominant strain and severe illness can develop rapidly without prompt treatment. Malaria prevention is considered essential for travel to Ghana.

Travellers should use:

• Prescription antimalarial medication
• Insect repellent containing DEET
• Long sleeves and trousers after sunset
• Mosquito bite avoidance measures from dusk until dawn

Any fever or flu-like illness during travel or within 12 months of returning from Ghana requires urgent same-day medical assessment.

Antimalarial tablets are prescription-only medicines which we do not prescribe on site. Where appropriate, we will refer patients to an Independent Prescriber for an individual assessment.

Meningococcal Disease

Ghana forms part of the African meningitis belt. Meningococcal ACWY vaccination is recommended for:

• Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travellers
• Backpackers
• Healthcare workers
• Long-stay travellers
• Travellers spending extended time in close contact with local communities

Rabies

Rabies is endemic in Ghana. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for longer trips, rural travel, cyclists, runners, children and anyone working with animals.

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and cannot be stocked by UK community pharmacies. If you are bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin by any mammal:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic if available
• Attend a hospital or A&E immediately

Other Health Risks

• Road traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury among travellers visiting Ghana. Night travel by road should be avoided where possible.
• Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in Lake Volta and inland freshwater rivers. Travellers should avoid swimming, paddling or wading in freshwater areas.
• Dengue fever and chikungunya are also present in Ghana. Daytime mosquito bite protection is important.
• Heat, humidity and dehydration are frequently underestimated by travellers to West Africa. Maintaining hydration and limiting sun exposure are important preventative measures.
• Lassa fever has been reported in parts of West Africa. Risk to most travellers remains low but may increase with rural exposure and contact with rodents.

When to Book

We recommend booking your Ghana travel vaccination appointment four to six weeks before departure. The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Ghana for the vaccination certificate to be accepted for entry.

What We Can Supply

The vaccines listed above are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your consultation.

During your appointment we can:

• Assess your itinerary and medical history
• Provide personalised travel health advice
• Administer appropriate travel vaccines
• Discuss malaria prevention options
• Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required

Antimalarials and altitude medication are prescription-only medicines that we do not prescribe on site. Where appropriate, we will refer patients to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber for further assessment.

Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports patients from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with professional travel vaccinations, yellow fever certification and destination-specific travel health advice for Ghana.

Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.