Essential Vietnam Vaccines for Travellers: Your Health Guide
Essential Vietnam Vaccines for Travellers: Your Health Guide
From the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh to the bustling night markets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller. Before embarking on your trip, it’s important to understand the health precautions needed to stay safe abroad.
In this blog, we explore the most important travel vaccinations for Vietnam, who they’re recommended for, and how West Midlands Travel Clinic can support your journey.
Why Are Travel Vaccines Important for Vietnam?
Vietnam is a culturally rich and exciting destination, but it does come with different health risks than the UK. Factors like climate, sanitation, local infrastructure, and disease prevalence all play a role in increasing your exposure to infections.
You may be at increased risk if you plan to:
- Venture into remote or rural provinces
- Enjoy local street food or drink untreated water
- Travel for an extended period
- Stay with family or locals in smaller communities
- Work, study, or volunteer in fields like healthcare, education, or agriculture
Proper vaccination can significantly lower the chances of contracting preventable illnesses during your travels.
Recommended Vaccines for Vietnam
- How it spreads: Contaminated food and drinking water
- Why it’s a risk: This liver infection is common where sanitation is less reliable
- Who should get it: All travellers
- Vaccination course: One injection, plus an optional long-term booster
- How it spreads: Ingesting contaminated food or beverages
- Why it’s a risk: Common in areas with poor water hygiene
- Who should get it: Most travellers, especially those exploring local eateries or rural towns
- Vaccination course: Single dose offering protection for up to three years
- How it spreads: Through open wounds or respiratory droplets
- Why it’s a risk: These conditions still occur in some regions in Southeast Asia
- Who should get it: Anyone who hasn’t had a booster in the past 10 years
- Vaccination course: One-time booster if needed
- How it spreads: Blood, needles, and bodily fluids
- Why it’s a risk: Unsafe injections, tattoos, or sexual contact can all transmit the virus
- Who should get it: Those on extended stays or engaging in higher-risk activities
- Vaccination course: Three doses (accelerated schedules available)
- How it spreads: From bites or scratches by infected animals (e.g. dogs, monkeys, bats)
- Why it’s a risk: Rabies is present in Vietnam and can be fatal if untreated
- Who should get it: Travellers spending time in remote areas or working with animals
- Vaccination course: Three doses given before travel
- How it spreads: By mosquito bites, especially in rice paddies and flood-prone areas
- Why it’s a risk: It can lead to brain inflammation and is most common during the monsoon season
- Who should get it: Travellers visiting rural areas or staying for over a month
- Vaccination course: Two doses, ideally started 6–8 weeks before travel
Additional Vaccines to Discuss
Depending on your trip and medical history, you may also benefit from:
- Cholera: For humanitarian workers or those staying in basic conditions
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Ensure your childhood vaccines are up to date
- Seasonal Flu: Particularly for those travelling during Vietnam’s winter months
Our clinicians at West Midlands Travel Clinic will discuss these options with you during your appointment.
When to Schedule Your Vaccinations
We advise booking your Vietnam travel vaccination consultation 6 to 8 weeks before your departure date. This allows sufficient time for vaccines that require multiple doses and ensures your body builds strong immunity.
If you’re travelling soon and need last-minute protection, we also offer express vaccination schedules where suitable.
Why Choose West Midlands Travel Clinic?
At West Midlands Travel Clinic, we deliver a convenient, reliable service designed to give you peace of mind before you travel. Our team will:
- Review your travel itinerary and duration
- Assess your current vaccine history
- Recommend appropriate vaccines based on your trip and risk factors
- Offer same-day vaccinations (subject to availability)
- Provide detailed advice on travel hygiene, food safety, and mosquito protection
We support patients from across Birmingham, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, and surrounding West Midlands areas.
Book Your Vietnam Travel Vaccines Today
Your health should be a priority when travelling. Don’t take unnecessary risks — protect yourself with the right vaccinations before you head to Vietnam. Please get in touch with us a West Midlands Travel Clinic today!
