Vaccinations for Vietnam: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country, but that does not mean you need a long list of vaccinations before travelling there. For most travellers, the important question is which routine vaccinations should be up to date and whether any additional vaccines make sense for their individual trip.

Do you need vaccinations to enter Vietnam?

For most travellers, no routine vaccination is required to enter Vietnam.

The main exception concerns yellow fever. If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs, Vietnam may require proof of yellow fever vaccination. The vaccination must normally have been given at least 10 days before arrival.

For most travellers arriving from Europe, North America, Australia or other countries without yellow fever transmission, this is not an issue.

Which vaccinations should you consider for Vietnam?

There is no single list of vaccinations that every traveller to Vietnam needs. The right advice depends on your vaccination history, length of stay, travel style, planned activities and overall health.

For many travellers, the most useful step is simply to make sure that their routine vaccinations are up to date and to discuss travel-specific vaccines with a doctor or travel clinic.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is commonly recommended for travellers to Vietnam.

The virus can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, so the risk is not limited to travellers who eat at street stalls or travel on a low budget. Good food and water hygiene reduces the risk, but does not eliminate it completely.

If you are unsure whether you have already been vaccinated against hepatitis A, check your vaccination records and ask your doctor or travel clinic.

Tetanus

Check that your routine tetanus vaccination is up to date before travelling.

You do not need a special "Vietnam tetanus vaccine". The important point is simply to have the normal protection recommended for your age and vaccination history.

If you are unsure when you last received a tetanus-containing vaccine, your doctor can check whether a booster is appropriate.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended depending on your circumstances.

It is particularly worth discussing with a doctor if you are staying in Vietnam for a longer period, travelling frequently, expecting possible medical treatment, or taking part in activities where exposure to blood or bodily fluids could occur.

Hepatitis B is different from hepatitis A: the two infections are caused by different viruses and are prevented in different ways.

Typhoid

A typhoid vaccination may be considered for some travellers, particularly depending on the length and style of their trip.

However, vaccination does not replace basic food and water precautions. Choosing safe drinking water and being careful with food remains important whether you are vaccinated or not.

Polio

Most travellers who are fully vaccinated according to their country's routine vaccination schedule do not need a separate polio vaccination simply because they are travelling to Vietnam.

If you are unsure whether your routine vaccinations are complete, check with your doctor before travelling.

Vaccinations are only one part of staying healthy while travelling in Vietnam. Basic precautions are also important: wash your hands regularly, drink bottled or properly filtered water, eat food that has been thoroughly cooked, and wash fruit and vegetables carefully.

Other health risks worth knowing about include:

• Dengue fever: Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, which can bite during the day as well as at night. Symptoms commonly include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and sometimes a rash. Severe dengue can cause serious complications. There is no specific antiviral treatment, so prevention is mainly about avoiding mosquito bites. Use an effective insect repellent, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when appropriate, and use air-conditioned or screened accommodation where possible.
• Malaria: Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea and other symptoms. The risk varies considerably depending on the area of Vietnam and is generally much lower in major cities and many popular tourist destinations. Depending on your itinerary, a doctor specialising in travel medicine may recommend mosquito-bite prevention and, for certain areas, antimalarial medication.
• Rabies: Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, including dogs, cats, bats and monkeys. It is rare but extremely serious once symptoms develop. Avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly. If you are bitten, scratched, or have saliva from a potentially infected animal come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, wash the affected area thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately. Further treatment, including vaccination, may be required depending on the circumstances and whether you have been vaccinated previously.

Conclusion

There are no routine vaccinations that are mandatory for most travellers entering Vietnam, but recommended vaccinations and precautions depend on your health, travel plans and the areas you intend to visit.

Before travelling, consider consulting a travel-medicine specialist, particularly if you are planning to visit remote or rural areas or travel for an extended period. It is also important to have suitable travel insurance covering medical treatment abroad.

With sensible precautions, most travellers can enjoy their stay in Vietnam without major health problems. The key is to prepare for the risks that are actually relevant to your itinerary rather than taking unnecessary precautions.