Vaccination

“What vaccinations do I need?” is one of the primary questions people ask when preparing for travel. It is important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to discuss which vaccinations you have already received and what additional shots you may need. Here are some key recommendations:

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Measles

You likely have received this vaccination, but it’s a good idea to confirm whether you require an update. Typically, boosters for these diseases are administered every 10 years, regardless of travel plans. Most vaccines are provided at no cost or are covered by your insurance plan. In Vietnam, vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, and measles are mandatory for newborns, and the country has few instances of pandemic outbreaks.
Photo: Internet

Typhoid

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi, often results in fever, headaches, and abdominal discomfort. Typhoid vaccination can be administered orally or through injection, with precautions necessary for pregnant women and young children. The best method of prevention is to be cautious about food and water consumed while traveling, as these are the primary means of disease transmission.
Photo: Internet

Rabies

You may receive a recommendation for rabies pre-exposure vaccination, which consists of three doses over 30 days. However, due to its high cost, consider whether your insurance covers it before going through with the vaccination. It is generally straightforward to avoid contact with stray dogs in urban areas, and such encounters are rare in tourist districts.
Photo: vinmec

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral infection affecting the brain, with a higher incidence in young children and the elderly. As Vietnam is part of the endemic region for this disease, it is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes in damp and unclean environments, such as rice paddies or pig farms in rural areas.
Photo: WHO