Medication Safety, Storage & Emergencies

Bringing prescription medication abroad requires careful planning. Please read the following information to ensure you’re prepared:

• You are expected to continue any prescribed medication throughout your program unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Do not change, reduce, or stop your prescription medication during your time in Cape Town unless under the direct supervision of your prescribing physician.
• If you feel unsure about your medication or are considering changes, please speak with a doctor first. VACorps staff can help you find a local healthcare provider.
• Some prescription medications are vulnerable to theft or misuse. Store your medication securely, never share it, and let us know immediately if anything goes missing.
• If your medication is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the VACorps team immediately. We’ll assist you in finding appropriate medical care and pharmacy options, but please be aware that some medications may not be easily replaced in South Africa.
• We encourage you to be open with us about any health or medication-related concerns — this allows us to support you effectively if something goes wrong.

Please note: VACorps staff are not medical professionals and cannot assist with dosage, storage, or administration of medication. If you take prescription medication, you must be able to manage it independently throughout your stay.

Vaccinations and Health Considerations

Preparing for your journey to Cape Town involves more than just packing your bags; it’s also about ensuring you’re in good health for the experiences ahead. While Cape Town boasts high sanitation standards and safe drinking water, it’s important to recognize that international travel can expose you to unfamiliar environments and health risks. Being proactive about your health will help you make the most of your time abroad.​

Routine Vaccinations

Although there are no compulsory vaccinations required before travelling to Cape Town, it is a good idea to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Please consult your healthcare provider to review your vaccination history and determine if any boosters or additional vaccines are needed before departure. These vaccinations are recommended by health authorities for international travelers:​

• Influenza (Flu)
• COVID-19 (recommended but not required)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
• Polio
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Shingles​

Additional Recommended Vaccinations for South Africa

While not mandatory, the CDC recommends the following vaccinations based on potential exposure risks:​

• Hepatitis A: Recommended due to potential exposure through contaminated food or water.

• Hepatitis B: Advised for travelers who might have sexual contact, require medical treatment, or get tattoos or piercings.

• Typhoid: Suggested for those visiting rural areas or engaging in adventurous eating.

• Rabies: Considered for travelers involved in outdoor activities or who may come into contact with animals.​

Yellow Fever

South Africa does not have a risk of yellow fever. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission or have transited through such a country for more than 12 hours.​

COVID-19

South Africa currently treats COVID-19 as a routine respiratory illness, similar to the flu. There are no entry requirements related to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or isolation. In practice, COVID-19 is not routinely tested for unless medically necessary, and individuals who are unwell are expected to follow standard flu-like precautions—such as resting, staying home while symptomatic, and seeking care if symptoms are severe.​

While vaccination is not mandatory, VACorps recommends that all participants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and other flu-like illnesses prior to travel, especially those who may be medically vulnerable or in close contact environments. This supports both your own health and the well-being of the broader community you’ll engage with during your time in South Africa.​

Malaria Prevention

Cape Town is a malaria-free area; therefore, bringing malaria medication is unnecessary. If you plan to travel to other regions in Africa where malaria is present, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider in South Africa for appropriate guidance and prescriptions.

Drinking Water and Sanitation

Cape Town has excellent sanitation standards, and tap water is safe to drink. The risk of contracting illnesses related to poor sanitation, such as cholera or typhoid, is extremely low. Food safety standards are generally high, particularly in restaurants and supermarkets. However, we recommend exercising caution when consuming food from street vendors.​

If you plan to travel outside of Cape Town, the same standards may not apply. In more rural or remote areas, it’s advisable to take sensible precautions, such as drinking bottled or filtered water and choosing food from reputable vendors or well-established eateries.​

HIV/AIDS and Other STDs/STIs

South Africa has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates globally. The virus spreads through bodily fluids, primarily during unprotected sexual intercourse. It’s crucial to practice safe sex and be aware that HIV/AIDS often remains asymptomatic, making it impossible to identify carriers based on appearance alone.​