Do you need shots to go to Morocco from USA?
Morocco is a bridge between North Africa and Europe and it is becoming more and more popular destination to tourists combining desert, mountains and old medinas. When traveling to Morocco from the US certain vaccinations are recommended by the government Although they are not mandatory.
If you travel to Morocco, what vaccinations and shots are recommended ?
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Morocco, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |
| Typhoid | Recommended for all travelers You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Morocco. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |
| Rabies | For travelers spending a lot of time outdoors Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Morocco, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
|
| Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
|
| Tetanus-diphtheria | Revaccination recommended every 10 years |
Immunisations, vaccinations, is there a difference? What are they really?
Vaccination is getting the vaccine and immunisation is the process of both taking the vaccine and becoming immune to the disease after vaccination.
Immunisations
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.”
vaccinations
is an important form to prevent diseases . A vaccine helps the body’s immune system to recognize and fight pathogens like viruses or bacteria, vaccines contain a very small dose of a live, but weakened form of a virus to help the immune system recognizing new diseases and stimulates the body to make antibodies against antigens of pathogens. vaccination is very important and has helped to control diseases that once threatened many lives.
Why should you get vaccinated if you are travelling?
Vaccines protect travelers from getting diseases abroad that may not normally be found in the United States. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from getting ill during your trip, especially that when you travel to a new country your body is exposed to new elements, germs and bacterias you might be very sick if you are not immunised.
When should you get vaccinated?
you should go see your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date to make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccines, and it will give you time to take the vaccines that has more than one dose.
Medical Treatment in Morocco/What if you get sick while you are in Morocco
there are decent medical facilities in all main cities but hard to find outside of these major cities although your hotel can recommend you the nearest medical help, there are also emergency pharmacies (24 Hours open) posted on the window of every pharmacy that norùally close at 8 pm or you can also check them online “pharmacie de garde” in french.
In Morocco you will need to pay for your health cost upfront in private clinics and doctors, make sure to check what your travel insurance cover and consider to buy a medical travel insurance. Public or government hospitals provide free emergency treatment but don’t expect western standards, i would recommend you to go for the private one as it is fast and effective.
Reduce your exposure to germs
avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling by washing your hands regularly and before eating and keep with you a hand sanitizer in case you are in small towns or soap and water are not available, Avoid contact with people who are sick and cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Food and Water
Tap Water
one of the first tips i give to my clients when they arrive to Morocco is to avoid tap water and drink only bottled water, water that have been treated, boiled or filtered. Also you want to stay away from beverages that contain ice.
Food
One of the best things about morocco travel experience is the food and moroccan cuisine although you have to avoid vegetables and fruits that haven’t been peeled, the best is to find food that is freshly prepared. Remember to wash your hands regularly and in general don’t eat seafood in a city far from the sea.
