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Planning a Trip to Thailand from the UK? Here's a Guide to Necessary Vaccinations
- Dr Joseph Nightingale
- Jul 15
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 14
If you’re heading to Thailand from the UK, vaccinations probably aren’t the first thing on your mind. But they should be on your list - right up there with booking your flights and sorting your travel insurance.
Diseases like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis still exist in parts of Thailand. That’s why many travellers are advised to get travel jabs for Thailand before they fly, especially if heading off the beaten path.
While the country is generally safe, some health risks are more common in tropical climates than they are back home. It’s, therefore, a good idea to check what jabs you might need before you fly.
Some vaccines take a few weeks to work, and others need more than one dose. Ideally, you want to get sorted at least 4–6 weeks before departure. But even if your trip is coming up fast, there are still options.
In this article we'll discuss:
Recommended Vaccines for Thailand
Hepatitis A & B
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water — things like uncooked shellfish, unwashed fruit, or even ice cubes in drinks. One exposure is enough to make you unwell for weeks.
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and other bodily fluids. It's not something you’ll catch from food, but if you’re staying long-term or getting a medical or cosmetic procedure while abroad, it’s worth protecting against.
Recommended for:
Hep A: All travellers
Hep B: Long stays, medical procedures, tattoos/piercings abroad
Vaccination schedule:
Hep A: Single dose + booster 6–12 months laer
Hep B: 3 doses over 6 months (accelerated schedules available)
Combined A+B vaccines can reduce the number of jabs needed
Typhoid
Typhoid is another food- and water-borne illness, and it's more common than people think. Even street food in tourist areas can carry a risk. Avoid any area or foodstuff that could be contaminated with human waste.
Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Recommended for:
All travellers, especially if you’re planning to eat at markets or explore off the beaten path.
Vaccination schedule:
Single injection (protects for 3 years)
Oral capsule version also available
Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Polio (DTP Booster)
You’ve likely had this vaccine as a child, but protection fades over time. If it’s been more than 10 years, you’ll need a booster.
Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil, entering the body through cuts or scrapes, which are common when hiking or exploring.
Diphtheria and Polio are both highly infectious diseases that still occur in some parts of of the world.
Recommended for:
All travellers, if your last booster was over 10 years ago.
Vaccination schedule:
Single booster dose.
Japanese Encephalitis
Much rarer than other conditions, this mosquito-borne virus causes a potentially deadly brain infection. It’s mainly found in rural or agricultural areas, especially during the rainy season (May to October).
Symptoms range from a mild flu-like illness to severe brain inflammation (encephalitis). If your brain is affected, it can lead to seizures and even permanent neurological damage.
Recommended for:
Longer stay travellers but the risk can be increased even in short-term travellers, especially during outbreaks
Rural or agricultural areas (including northern Thailand)
Outdoor activities like trekking or cycling during the monsoon season
Repeat visits to Southeast Asia
Vaccination schedule:
Two injections, spaced 28 days apart (can be accelerated if necessary)
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection spread through animal bites or scratches, most often from dogs or cats. Backpackers and long-term travellers in Southeast Asia should consider the vaccine, especially if visiting remote areas where medical care may be delayed.
Recommended for:
Long stays
Backpackers and travellers spending time in rural or remote areas
Close contact with animals and higher risk activities (e.g. volunteering, trekking, cycling, running working with animals)
Vaccination schedule:
3 doses over 3–4 weeks (pre-exposure); post-exposure boosters still required
Malaria
Malaria is probably the most well-known infectious disease in the world. For travellers, there’s no vaccine for malaria, and if infected, people can become severely ill.
This mosquito-borne disease is present in Thailand. While most tourist hotspots (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai) carry little to no risk, the disease still exists near border regions, particularly those shared with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
Symptoms include fever, chills, vomiting, and, in severe cases, coma or death.
Taking antimalarial medication can significantly reduce the risk of infection and severe disease.
Recommended for:
Rural or forested border regions
Trekking or overnight stays in basic accommodation
Aid work or long-term travel in affected areas
Prevention includes:
Antimalarial tablets (atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine), started before travel and continued after return
Mosquito precautions: DEET-based repellent, long clothing, insecticide-treated nets
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water and causes severe diarrhoea and dehydration. It's not a concern for most tourists, but in areas with poor sanitation or during outbreaks, it’s a risk.
If you’re travelling to a rural or remote location, it’s sensible to get vaccinated, especially if outbreaks are occurring.
Recommended for:
Aid workers
Travellers to remote areas with limited sanitation
Vaccination schedule:
Oral vaccine, 2 doses (protects for ~2 years) — also a single dose vaccine available (different brand)
Influenza (Seasonal Flu)
Influenza is familiar to most people in the UK. It’s a common condition. We might assume it’s a winter-related disease. However, it can infect you anywhere.
A long-haul flight and a new climate can leave you run-down. The flu jab isn’t just for winter — it helps protect you if you're travelling during Thailand’s cooler season (Nov–Feb), or if you're vulnerable to complications.
Recommended for:
Travelling during flu season
Over 65s, pregnant women, or anyone with chronic illness
Vaccination schedule:
Annual jab — best given 2–4 weeks before travel
Note: Two new vaccines — for Dengue and Chikungunya — have recently become available. These are not yet widely recommended for travel to Thailand but may be considered in the future.
When Should I Get Vaccinated Before My Trip?
Many travel vaccines take time to work. Some need several doses spaced weeks apart, so the earlier you plan, the better (ideally at least 4 weeks before you travel).
Here’s a rough guide to the recommended timing:
Vaccine | When to Get It | Notes |
Hepatitis A | At least 2 weeks before travel | Booster after 6–12 months for long-term cover |
Hepatitis B | Start at least 6 weeks before travel | 3 doses required in total (0, 1, 6 months) |
Typhoid | 2–3 weeks before travel | Single injection or oral course |
DTP Booster | At least 2 weeks before travel | If not boosted in the last 10 years |
Japanese Encephalitis | Start 5–6 weeks before travel | 2 doses, 28 days apart |
Rabies | Start at least 4 weeks before travel | 3 doses over 3–4 weeks; post-exposure boosters still needed |
Cholera (oral) | Start 2–3 weeks before travel | 2 doses needed |
Influenza | 2–4 weeks before travel | Annual jab — timing depends on UK flu season |
Malaria Tablets | Start 1–2 days to 1 week before | Depends on tablet type — taken before, during, and after travel |
If you're travelling soon and haven’t had your jabs yet - don’t panic. Many can be given on an accelerated schedule. Getting your vaccinations even at the last minute is still useful and certainly better than nothing.
Other Health Considerations for Thailand
Far from home, you don’t want to take risks with your health. It’s not just vaccinations that prevent you against the worst. There are several precautions you should take to minimise your health risks.
Follow these tips:
1. Don’t skip travel insurance
Make sure your policy covers emergency medical care, hospital stays, and repatriation especially if you plan on hiring bikes or trekking in remote areas.
2. Protect against mosquito bites
Dengue, malaria, and Japanese Encephalitis are all mosquito-borne. Use repellent (DEET 50%), cover up at dawn and dusk, and sleep under nets in rural areas. There are tons of products available to limit your mosquito exposure. Use them!
3. Be food and water wise
Drink bottled or boiled water, skip ice if you're unsure of its source, and stick to freshly cooked meals. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, and shellfish.
Never drink water from the tap. That includes brushing your teeth. Even minimal contact with infected water can lead to serious gastrointestinal infections.
Where to Get Travel Vaccinations in the UK
Not all travel vaccines are offered on the NHS, but a Thailand travel vaccine clinic like Health Klinix can help.
We provide:
All recommended travel vaccinations (including Hepatitis, Typhoid, JE and more)
Malaria tablets and bite-prevention advice
Personalised consultations based on your destination and plans
Same-day and short-notice appointments
Book early to avoid last-minute stress. Even if you’re flying next week, we can help you get protected. If you’re unsure what you need or the risks in Thailand, our travel health specialists are here to help. They’ll recommend the best options based on current UK and WHO guidelines.
Whether you're backpacking, relaxing on the beach, or heading deep into the countryside — don’t let illness ruin your trip. A quick consultation now can save you weeks of recovery later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccinations do I need for Thailand from the UK?
The most commonly recommended vaccinations for UK travellers to Thailand include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, DTP, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and in some cases, Cholera and Influenza. Malaria prevention tablets may also be advised depending on your itinerary.
When should I get vaccinated before travelling to Thailand?
Ideally, you should get your travel vaccinations 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced out over several weeks. Accelerated options may be available if you're travelling soon.
Do I need malaria tablets for Thailand?
Malaria tablets are advised if you’re visiting rural or forested areas near Thailand’s borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, or Laos. Most popular tourist areas such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai have little or no malaria risk.
Are travel vaccinations for Thailand available on the NHS?
Some vaccines, such as tetanus boosters, Hepatitis A and Typhoid may be available on the NHS but book early as your GP will need time.
Where can I get vaccinated before travelling to Thailand?
Some vaccines, such as tetanus boosters, hepatitis A and typhoid may be available on the NHS and through private clinics. However, many specialist travel jabs including, hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese Encephalitis are usually only offered through private clinics.
References
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). (2025). Travel health pro: Thailand. Retrieved from https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/221/thailand
Fit for Travel. (2025). Thailand: Travel health information. Retrieved from https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/thailand
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Travelers’ health: Thailand. Retrieved from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand
UK Health Security Agency. (2024). Immunisation against infectious disease (The Green Book). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book
World Health Organization. (2023). Vaccines and immunization: Hepatitis A. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-a
World Health Organization. (2023). Vaccines and immunization: Hepatitis B. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
World Health Organization. (2024). Typhoid fever. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid
World Health Organization. (2023). Japanese encephalitis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/japanese-encephalitis
World Health Organization. (2024). Malaria. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
World Health Organization. (2023). Cholera. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera
National Health Service. (2024). Travel vaccinations. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/
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