Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that attracts many tourists every year. If you are planning a trip to this exotic destination, you may be wondering if you need to get vaccinated. In this article, we will introduce you to basic information about vaccinations in Vietnam, health risks, and prevention.

Is vaccination mandatory in Vietnam?

No mandatory vaccinations are required when entering the country. However, if you fly into Vietnam from another country where yellow fever occurs, you must be vaccinated against the disease and have a certificate with you. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival in Vietnam.

What is the recommended vaccination for Vietnam?

Although no vaccination is mandatory, it is recommended to get vaccinated against some diseases that may occur in this country. Including:

• Tetanus: This bacterial infection causes muscle spasms and paralysis. It can be fatal if left untreated. Tetanus vaccination should be renewed every 10 years.

• Hepatitis A and B: These viral infections affect the liver and cause jaundice, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. They can lead to chronic complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Vaccination against jaundice types A and B is carried out in three doses. After three doses, the protection is long-lasting, probably lifelong.

• Polio: This viral infection attacks the nervous system and causes muscle paralysis. It can be fatal if it affects the respiratory muscles. Polio vaccination is given in four doses. After four doses, protection is lifelong.

• Typhoid fever: This bacterial infection causes fever, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be fatal if left untreated. Vaccination against typhoid is given by injection or oral vaccine, which protects 3 years2.

What are other health risks and prevention?
In addition to vaccination, it is important to follow basic hygiene rules such as hand washing, drinking bottled or filtered water, heat-treated food, and carefully washed fruits and vegetables. Other health risks that can endanger your health include:

• Dengue fever: This viral infection is transmitted by diurnal mosquitoes. It causes fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and bleeding. It can be fatal if it develops into a severe form. There is currently no effective treatment or vaccination against dengue fever. Prevention consists in the use of repellants, mosquito nets, and long-sleeved clothing.
  
  
• Malaria: This parasitic infection is transmitted by nocturnal mosquitoes. It causes fever, chills, sweating, headaches and body aches, nausea and diarrhea. It can be fatal if left untreated. There is currently no vaccination against malaria. Prevention consists of the use of repellants, mosquito nets and antimalarial drugs.

• Rabies: This viral infection is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, cats, bats or monkeys. It causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to hallucinations, convulsions, paralysis and death. Vaccination against rabies is carried out in five doses. If you are bitten or licked by a suspected animal, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible and receive further vaccinations and treatment2.