.png)
Essential Vaccinations for Vietnam: A Checklist for Travellers
- Dr Joseph Nightingale
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Planning a trip to Vietnam is exciting. You’re eager to explore the Southeast Asian nation, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay. But before you pack your bags, there’s one essential step that can make or break your adventure: travel vaccinations.
Vietnam is a relatively safe country with an increasingly modern healthcare system. However, located in the tropics, the nation is home to several infectious diseases, including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. These diseases are spread via contaminated food, water, or even a minor scratch.
The good news? Most of these risks are preventable with the right travel vaccinations for Vietnam. Find out what you need below.
Recommended Vaccines for UK Travellers to Vietnam
If you’re travelling to Vietnam, some vaccinations are recommended to protect you from common infectious diseases, even if you’re only staying in cities.
These travel vaccinations for Vietnam offer your core protection:
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis is a virus that causes liver disease. Hepatitis A is spread via contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood and bodily fluids.
In Vietnam, both viruses are more prevalent than in the UK. Common methods of transmission include eating undercooked food, drinking untreated water, and, for Hepatitis B, coming into contact with infected blood (e.g., medical treatment or tattoos).
Hepatitis A and B have different protocols. Hepatitis A is given as two injections (providing protection for a year): the first is given before your trip, and the second, 6-12 months later, extends this to 25 years. Hepatitis B, however, requires a series of injections over several weeks.
A combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine is also available.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection that can cause high fever, stomach pain, and less commonly, diarrhoea. It spreads through contaminated food and water, making travellers particularly vulnerable when eating street food or drinking untreated water.
The typhoid vaccine is given as a single injection and offers protection for around three years. Oral capsules are another option, but are less commonly used. Vaccination is strongly recommended even for short stays.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio
These three diseases can be life-threatening and remain present in parts of Asia, including Vietnam.
Tetanus: Caused by bacteria entering the body through cuts or wounds, often from contaminated soil.
Diphtheria: Spread by coughing, sneezing, or close contact with infected individuals.
Polio: Transmitted via contaminated food and water, it can cause paralysis in severe cases.
Most UK adults were vaccinated in childhood but need a booster every 10 years for full protection when travelling abroad (if your last dose was more than a decade ago).
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs and is more common in Vietnam than in the UK. Long-term visitors or those working in healthcare are at higher risk.
The BCG vaccine is usually given during childhood in the UK, but only if the child is at risk. If you’ve never had it, a simple TB test can check whether you need a vaccination before travelling.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Measles and rubella outbreaks occur periodically in Southeast Asia. Thankfully, most UK residents received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children, providing long-term protection. However, due to vaccination concerns in the 1990s, some children never received the vaccine. If that’s the case, we recommend receiving the vaccine before visiting Vietnam.
Adults who never completed the two-dose course should arrange a booster before travelling.
Vaccinations for Higher-Risk or Rural Travel
If you’re visiting Vietnam for an extended period, visiting rural areas, or coming into close contact with animals, additional high-risk vaccines are needed to protect you from more severe or less common infections.
Risks change depending on where you are staying. That means certain cities are also at risk, and travellers should consider these vaccinations.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection primarily found in the rural and agricultural heartland of Vietnam. Most travellers are not at risk from this disease. However, if you’re spending a prolonged period in rural areas, visiting during the rainy season, or spending time in the outdoors, it’s recommended that you receive the vaccine.
Usually, it’s given as a two-dose course spaced 28 days apart.
Rabies
Rabies is a truly terrifying disease. Once contracted, it’s almost impossible to treat. The rabies vaccine is highly effective at preventing rabies (if you complete the course). We highly recommend getting all your shots, as, if symptoms develop, rabies is almost always fatal.
Rabies is present throughout Vietnam and is spread through the bites and scratches of infected dogs, monkeys, and other mammals.
Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for long-term travellers, adventure tourists, and anyone likely to have close contact with animals. It’s given as a three-dose series over 3–4 weeks.
Cholera
Cholera is a relatively rare disease for most holidaymakers. It’s caused by bacteria found in contaminated food and water and is primarily a risk for aid workers or those travelling to remote areas with poor sanitation.
The cholera vaccine is taken orally in two doses, a week apart, and offers protection for up to two years.
Dengue and Chikungunya
Dengue fever and Chikungunya are both mosquito-borne diseases causing high fever, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Historically, there were no licensed vaccines for travellers.
The novel vaccines include:
Dengue: The first dengue vaccine for travellers has recently been introduced in some countries. It provides partial protection against all four dengue virus strains. The UK license allows the vaccine for anybody aged 4+ — although, it’s currently recommended for people who have had a confirmed dengue infection previously.
Chikungunya: A new vaccine is now available to reduce the risk of severe disease and long-term joint problems. Get in touch for further details.
You might not hear as much about either of these diseases in Vietnam. However, both are not confined solely to rural areas and can occur in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
If you’re planning a trip during the rainy season (when mosquito activity peaks), you may wish to discuss these newer vaccinations with a member of our team.
When to Get Vaccinated
Don’t leave your travel vaccinations for Vietnam till the last minute. Some multi-dose vaccine schedules require at least 4-6 weeks to provide complete protection. Ideally, it’s best to get in touch with a vaccination clinic around 2-3 months before your trip. That leaves plenty of time to get all your vaccines and boosters before you set off.
If it’s less than 4 weeks till your trip, it’s still worth booking an appointment. Even a single dose of many vaccinations is better than no protection at all.
Other Health Considerations for Vietnam
Travelling to distant parts of the world is always a risk to your health. You’ll come into contact with new climates, cultures, and local environments (that’s part of the fun). But it means you’ll need to take some precautions:
Travel Health Insurance
Always have comprehensive travel insurance when you go abroad. Your policy should cover medical treatment and hospital stays, emergency evacuation (if needed), and coverage for adventure activities (e.g., motorbiking or trekking).
Mosquito Protection and Malaria
Malaria is not high risk throughout all of Vietnam. The greatest risk is in rural and forested areas, particularly during the rainy season. Our expert team is here to guide you on whether or not you’ll need malaria tablets.
Remember, mosquito bite prevention is crucial to preventing mosquito-borne diseases. Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves, and sleep under treated mosquito nets when necessary.
Safe Eating and Drinking
Never drink contaminated food and water. To reduce your risk:
Drink bottled or purified water
Avoid ice unless you know it’s made from safe water
Choose freshly cooked food over raw salads or shellfish
General Health Tips
Some basic health tips can prevent disaster. These include:
Carry a basic first aid kit with antiseptics, plasters, and rehydration salts
Be cautious with street food and ensure good hand hygiene
Stay hydrated, especially in hot and humid conditions
Where to Get Vaccinated
Getting your vaccinations for Vietnam is straightforward. It just takes a little planning ahead of time. In the UK, you have a few options:
GP Surgeries: Some NHS practices offer free or low-cost vaccines (such as Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters), but availability can be limited.
Travel Health Clinics: Private clinics like Health Klinix offer a full range of vaccinations, including Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and the newer Dengue and Chikungunya vaccines. These are often not available on the NHS.
Pharmacies: Many high-street pharmacies provide common travel vaccines for convenience, though they may not stock specialist jabs.
When booking, make sure to:
Bring your full vaccination history so the clinician can check what you already have.
Discuss your full travel itinerary, including rural or long-stay plans.
Ask about additional protection such as malaria tablets, mosquito repellents, and emergency treatments.
Travel health clinics are often the best option. You’ll receive a rapid service — no long waits for the GP or local nurse. Health Klinix also provides comprehensive travel advice covering everything you need to know about health in Vietnam. We’ve got you covered.
FAQs
Do you need malaria tablets for Cambodia and Vietnam?
Most travellers will not require malaria tablets. If appropriate, your doctor will prescribe a prophylactic course of medication for the duration of your stay, e.g., doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil. Chloroquine is not effective in Vietnam due to widespread resistance.
Is malaria a problem in Vietnam?
Yes, possibly; however, cases have declined in the last 15 years. Malaria is prevalent in several provinces of Vietnam, including Bình Dương, Bình Phước, Đắk Lắk, Đắk Nông, Gia Lai, Khánh Hòa, Kon Tum, Lâm Đồng, Ninh Thuận, and Tây Ninh. High-risk areas are often located near rivers, standing water, and in rural areas.
What jabs do I need for Vietnam?
We recommend receiving Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio, and the MMR vaccines as standard. If you’re visiting rural areas or have a prolonged trip, you may also consider Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Cholera, Dengue, and Chikungunya vaccines.
How to avoid getting ill in Vietnam?
Stay up to date with your vaccinations, use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, wash your hands regularly, and drink only bottled or purified water. Choose freshly cooked food over raw dishes and follow any malaria prevention advice from your clinician.
References
Written by:
Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP