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What Vaccinations Do I Need For Vietnam?
When people ask us which Vaccinations do I need for my Vietnam trip?
Our advice is always the same –
3-4 months before your trip, go and see your GP or visit a travel clinic, tell them where you are going and what you are doing and they will give you the most up to date advice.
We are hearing that GP’s are reducing the travel vaccination clinics within their surgery’s as they are so busy, so do check with yours. You may be better off visiting a local travel clinic or pharmacy that offers a travel vaccination service.
You can also check on the government’s ‘Know Before You Go’ website for the most up to date advice.
The current information from the website is as follows (October 2022)
Travel Vaccine Recommendations for Vietnam – Nomad Travel Clinic
– These schedules are approximate and based on the first dose. These are the minimum times for the vaccine to be effective. You can start them earlier, but again this can all be discussed when you have your consultation.
Yellow Fever In Vietnam – There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Vietnam.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Malaria Risk in Vietnam – Malaria is Present in Vietnam
There is no vaccination for Malaria, you may need to take Antimalarial tablets as it is a risk area. We recommend you have a consultation with a travel clinic to talk through your Antimalarial medication options.
For a detailed map of the Malaria risk in Vietnam
Other Health Risks in Vietnam
Dengue Fever In Vietnam
There is a risk of Dengue Fever in Vietnam. It is spread by a species of mosquito called Aedes aegypti, otherwise known as the ‘tiger mosquito’ which mainly bites during the day. The illness is widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics, affecting over 100 countries with approximately 50 million cases globally a year. Currently most infections occur in SE Asia, South and Central America, Mexico, Africa, Indian sub-continent, Hawaii and the Pacific. There is currently no vaccination against Dengue Fever, it is therefore important to protect yourself during the day with bite avoidance products like DEET
Chikungunya in Vietnam
There is a risk of Chikungunya virus in Vietnam. Spread by mosquitos, Chikungunya virus is widespread across Africa, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent and the Philippines. Occasionally, the virus can be found in other countries where the mosquito that spreads Chikungunya can also be found. There is no vaccination against Chikungunya, it is important to protect yourself with bite avoidance products like DEET.
Leptospirosis in Vietnam
There is a risk of Leptospirosis in Vietnam. Leptospirosis infection is widespread throughout the world, but cases are most common in tropical climates, areas where the standard of hygiene is poor and in areas subject to flooding. The infection occurs when cuts or abrasions of the skin and mucous membrane (eyes, mouth) come into contact with flood water, moist soil, vegetation (particularly bamboo) and fresh water infected by animal urine and other secretions. Prevention is dependent on covering cuts, scratches and open skin lesions with waterproof plasters, avoiding swallowing or drinking potentially infected water and, where risk is high, protective clothing should be worn.
