When traveling to Vietnam, understanding which vaccinations are recommended or required is essential for your health and safety. While no vaccines are mandatory for entry except in specific cases, there are several recommended based on the activities and regions you plan to visit. This guide covers mandatory vaccinations, routine vaccines, and region-specific recommendations to help you prepare for your trip.
Mandatory vaccinations for Vietnam
Yellow Fever*
Yellow fever vaccination is only required for travelers arriving in Vietnam within 6 days of leaving or transiting through a country with yellow fever transmission. If you’re traveling directly from non-affected regions, this vaccination is not necessary.
For most travelers to Vietnam, mandatory vaccinations are not a concern, but being informed can help avoid unnecessary delays or confusion at entry points.
Routine vaccines
Before traveling to Vietnam, it’s important to ensure that you are up to date with routine vaccinations commonly recommended for all travelers. These vaccines protect against illnesses that can occur anywhere in the world and are part of standard immunization schedules.
Recommended routine vaccines
- Chickenpox (Varicella): Protects against this highly contagious viral infection.
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP): Ensures immunity against bacterial infections like tetanus and whooping cough.
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Important due to the global rise in measles cases, especially in travel hotspots.
- Polio: Ensures continued protection against this disease, which is eradicated in many countries but still requires precaution.
- Flu (Influenza): Recommended annually, especially for travel during flu season.
- COVID-19: Stay up to date with the latest booster doses for optimal protection.
While these vaccines are not specific to Vietnam, they are essential for overall health during international travel. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider before your trip to confirm your vaccination status.
Vietnam specific vaccination recommendations
Depending on your travel plans and activities in Vietnam, the following vaccinations are recommended to protect against region-specific risks:
Hepatitis A
- Why: The risk of contaminated food and water makes Hepatitis A a common concern for travelers.
- Who should get it: All travelers, especially those visiting rural areas or trying local street food.
Hepatitis B
- Why: The disease can be transmitted through blood or bodily fluids, including during medical procedures or accidents.
- Who should get it: Travelers planning long-term stays or those engaging in activities with a risk of exposure.
Typhoid
- Why: Typhoid fever can result from consuming contaminated food or water.
- Who should get it: Those visiting rural areas or with adventurous eating habits, such as trying street food.
Japanese Encephalitis
- Why: This mosquito-borne disease is prevalent in rural areas, particularly during the rainy season.
- Who should get it: Travelers spending extended time in rural regions or engaging in outdoor activities like trekking or camping.
Rabies
- Why: Rabies is a risk in Vietnam due to the presence of stray dogs and wildlife.
- Who should get it: Travelers involved in trekking, working with animals, or staying in remote areas with limited access to post-exposure treatment.
Malaria
- Why: Malaria is present in certain regions of Vietnam, especially in forested and rural areas.
- Who should get it: Travelers visiting high-risk areas. Medication should be taken before, during, and after travel as prescribed by a doctor.
Consult your healthcare provider
These vaccines and preventive measures depend on the specifics of your trip, such as duration, activities, and destinations. A consultation with a travel clinic or your doctor is essential to tailor your vaccination plan.
Staying healthy in Vietnam: Tips and preventable diseases
Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but taking precautions against non-vaccine-preventable diseases and practicing good hygiene is crucial. Here’s how to stay healthy:
Avoiding mosquito-borne diseases
Diseases like dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis are transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Use DEET-based repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially in rural areas or during evenings.
- Sleep under a mosquito net if you’re staying in areas with a high mosquito presence.
- Avoid stagnant water, as it’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Food and water safety
Contaminated food and water can lead to illnesses like typhoid, cholera, and leptospirosis.
- Drink only bottled or boiled water and use it to brush your teeth.
- Avoid ice unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water.
- Stick to freshly cooked food and avoid raw or undercooked dishes, especially seafood.
- Wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating.
Avoiding waterborne and soil-transmitted diseases
Diseases like schistosomiasis and leptospirosis can occur from exposure to contaminated water or soil.
- Avoid swimming or wading in rivers, lakes, or floodwaters.
- Wear protective footwear when walking in muddy or wet areas.
Hygiene and personal care
Good hygiene practices can prevent diseases like avian flu, tuberculosis, and general infections.
- Regularly wash your hands with soap, especially before eating.
- Carry hand sanitizer for situations without access to soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals or live poultry in markets.
Where to get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated before your trip to Vietnam is the best way to ensure you’re protected against preventable diseases. While vaccinations can be obtained in Vietnam, it’s generally more convenient to prepare in your home country unless you’re planning a long-term stay.
Home country travel clinics
Visit a travel clinic or your general practitioner well in advance of your trip. These professionals can provide:
- Vaccinations tailored to your travel plans and personal health needs.
- Advice on additional preventive measures, like malaria prophylaxis.
Vaccinations in Vietnam
While major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have international clinics that offer vaccinations, this is more practical for expats or long-term visitors. For short-term travelers, it’s recommended to complete your vaccinations before arriving.
Timing
Schedule your vaccinations at least 4–6 weeks before departure. This allows enough time for:
- Full immunity to develop.
- Completing multi-dose vaccinations, such as Hepatitis B or Japanese Encephalitis.
