Vaccinations for Cape Verde

[IsaacCox]

Hi, we're going to Cape Verde over New Year and know that jabs are advised but are they compulsory? Has anyone here been and did you have them?

Can you get them done in chemists/boots or somewhere or is it just at the doctors? Also, daft question, but do you book an appointment to ask for the jabs then have another one for them or do you go and ask for them and they do them the same day? Also, when should we have them done? Sorry for the daft questions!

Thanks

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cape-verde/health

book ahead for all of them. They aren't compulsory but it is not smart to go somewhere like this without the standard set: polio, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus. You may have these already.

I see it is also a dengue zone so strong DEET to be applied 24/7.

Thanks both :)

Sorry, what's DEET?

it's the insect repellent that works. You need to buy insect repellent containing about 50% of it. keep it away from plastics (specs frames, watches) and don't eat it.

Ah, thank you :)

Re. making the appointment: at our practise, you'd book for the nurse and tell the receptionist what it's for when you make the appointment.

Depending on how many jabs you need, the nurse will do what she can on the day, then work out a schedule for the rest to be done, leaving enough time for them to take effect before you go.

She will also be able to tell you what you need. Don't think anything's compulsory, but there will be some strongly recommended in addition to making sure you're up to date with the basics.

She'll advise re. malaria tabs as well - think you have to start taking those about a week before you go.