Vietnam Travel Vaccinations

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Don't forget to stay on top of yuor health requirements. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the travel vaccinations you might need before you go. Below, we cover recommended vaccines, malaria advice, potential health risks, and how to book your travel vaccinations with Well Pharmacy, helping you get prepared for your trip with confidence.

The travel vaccinations recommended for Vietnam will largely depend on several factors, including the following:

• The length of your trip
• Which parts of Vietnam you plan on visiting
• Whether you’ll be spending time in rural areas
• Any planned activities such as trekking, backpacking, cycling or volunteering
• Your existing vaccination history

However, generally speaking, you can use the below clinical guidance* to help prepare for your appointment with us.

• Routine UK vaccinations – you should be up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters recommended for your age, medical history, and individual risks. This includes checking that vaccinations such as MMR and diphtheria, tetanus, and polio are up to date. We offer a range of vaccinations that may be suitable, but you can speak to one of our pharmacists if you're unsure.
• Yellow Fever certificate – there are currently no vaccination certificate requirements for Vietnam under International Health Regulations.

• Hepatitis A – an infection that can spread through contaminated food and water or direct contact with an infected person. Vaccination is recommended for previously unvaccinated travellers visiting Vietnam.
• Tetanus – caused by bacteria found in soil and manure that can enter the body through wounds, burns or scratches. You should have completed the standard UK vaccination course. If you’re travelling somewhere where medical facilities could be limited, a booster may be recommended if your last dose was more than 10 years ago.
• Typhoid - an infection spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Vietnam, particularly those visiting friends or relatives, staying for longer periods or travelling in areas where food hygiene and sanitation may be poorer.

• Hepatitis B – spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. Vaccination can be considered for all travellers and is particularly recommended if your plans could involve increased exposure to blood or bodily fluids, medical treatment, contact sports, a longer stay, or unprotected sex.
• Rabies – usually spread through the bite, scratch or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is considered a risk in Vietnam and has been reported in domestic animals. Pre-travel vaccination may be recommended if you’re staying for more than a month, taking part in higher-risk activities, working with animals, or travelling somewhere where prompt medical treatment could be difficult to access.
• Japanese Encephalitis – a mosquito-borne infection that occurs throughout Vietnam. Risk is present year-round, with a seasonal peak between May and October, particularly in northern Vietnam. Vaccination may be considered for longer stays, frequent travel, uncertain itineraries, or trips involving increased exposure in rural areas such as rice fields or pig farms.
• Chikungunya – a viral infection spread mainly by daytime-feeding mosquitoes. There is a risk of chikungunya in Vietnam, and vaccination may be considered for some travellers aged 12 and over, including people travelling to an area experiencing an outbreak or those making long-term or frequent visits to higher-risk areas.
• Dengue – dengue is also spread by mosquitoes and occurs in Vietnam. Vaccination is not routinely recommended for every traveller, but it may be considered in certain circumstances, particularly for people aged four and over who have previously had dengue and are travelling to an area where dengue is present. Your pharmacist or travel-health professional can assess whether this applies to you.
• Tuberculosis (TB) – BCG vaccination is only recommended for particular groups of travellers. This can include unvaccinated children under 16 who will be living in Vietnam for more than three months and certain people whose work puts them at increased risk of exposure to tuberculosis.

• Dengue Fever – dengue is present in Vietnam and is spread by mosquitoes that mainly bite during the daytime. Using insect repellent, covering exposed skin where practical and taking other steps to avoid mosquito bites can help reduce your risk.
• Food and water related illnesses – infections such as hepatitis A and typhoid can spread through contaminated food or water. Good hand hygiene and taking care over what you eat and drink are important precautions throughout your trip.
• Malaria - malaria risk varies across Vietnam. There is a low risk in some southern provinces and other rural areas, while TravelHealthPro currently reports no malaria risk in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang or Phu Quoc Island. Antimalarial tablets may be considered in exceptional circumstances for higher-risk travellers visiting low-risk areas, so your individual itinerary should be assessed before you travel.
• Zika virus - there is a risk of Zika virus in Vietnam. It is mainly spread by daytime-feeding mosquitoes and can also be sexually transmitted. Because infection during pregnancy can cause serious complications for the baby, pregnant women should discuss the suitability of travel with a healthcare professional. There is currently no vaccine or medication to prevent Zika infection.
• Air pollution – air quality can be an important health consideration in Vietnam, particularly if you have an existing respiratory or cardiovascular condition. If you are more vulnerable to air pollution, check local air-quality information and consider adjusting outdoor activities when pollution levels are high.