Learn more about the diseases you may need protection from & recommended vaccinations for your trip to Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful country and one often frequented by people travelling around Asia. Its rich history makes it a very popular destination for people travelling the world, but as with all forms of travel it’s not without its dangers. There are a number of diseases you could encounter in Vietnam, including rabies and Japanese encephalitis.
If you’re planning on travelling to Vietnam, you should seek advice six to eight weeks before jetting off to find out which vaccinations you should consider to help prevent you from getting some of these illnesses. Our pharmacists will help determine whether you fall into any high risk groups and can help you work out which vaccinations to consider depending on things like:
• Which regions you are visiting
• What activities you are doing
• Your age and general health
Book an appointment
We recommend booking an appointment with a Boots pharmacist six to eight weeks before you travel. However, even if time is short, we can still help you with options to consider.
Diseases in Vietnam
Below are some of the diseases you could need protection against when you’re in Vietnam.
You can use our quick check tool to get a list of diseases that may be present in the country and vaccinations to consider for your destination.
Malaria
Malaria is a risk in the southern provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dac Lac, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, as well as in all other rural areas of the country. There is no risk in large cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island: bite avoidance recommended.
Malaria is a blood infection which can be fatal. It’s transmitted by mosquitoes, so it’s best to avoid being bitten by taking steps like using mosquito nets and insect repellent.
Anti-malaria tablets may be recommended to you depending on your travel plans or medical history. Our pharmacists can help you work out if antimalarials are recommended for you.
Rabies
Rabies is a serious viral infection which affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal unless treated early.
It’s passed onto humans when broken skin comes into contact with the saliva of an infected domestic or wild animal, including bats. The most commonly infected animals are dogs. You are at higher risk in remote areas where access to medical care may be limited.
A course of vaccinations is recommended for travellers whose activities put them at increased risk
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection caught from contaminated food and water. The risk is higher for people visiting family and friends, long stay travellers and those staying in areas with poor sanitation, so taking steps like washing your hands after using the toilet is important.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral liver disease spread through infected blood and other bodily fluids. The risk is higher for certain people, like those having unprotected sex, long stay travellers and those participating in contact sports.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through poor sanitation. Symptoms include stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Those at increased risk are travellers visiting friends and relatives. All travellers are advised to maintain good personal, food and water hygiene measures.
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection which can cause watery diarrhoea. It is transmitted through eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water. Travellers are advised to maintain good personal, food and water hygiene measures.
Japanese encephalitis
This brain infection is spread by mosquitoes and symptoms include paralysis and seizures.
Japanese encephalitis occurs in this country, with year-round transmission in the south and from May to October in the north. You should avoid mosquito bites particularly between dusk and dawn. Vaccination should be considered for those whose activities put them at increased risk
Tetanus
Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria and can lead to the tightening of muscles in the body which can affect swallowing and breathing. If you’ve not had a tetanus dose in the last 10 years then a booster dose may be advised.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal in some people, but there are no transmission risks in Vietnam.
However, you’ll need a certificate proving you’ve had a vaccination if you are travelling to Vietnam from a country where yellow fever exists.
Your pharmacist will give you the latest advice for your trip.
Childhood immunisations
No matter where you are travelling to, it’s recommended your childhood immunisations are up to date for:
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio
Quick check tool
You can use our quick check tool to get a list of diseases that may be present in the country and vaccinations to consider for your destination.
