Travel vaccines for Vietnam

Travel vaccines for Vietnam, at a glance

Vietnam is a popular and rewarding destination, but the variety of itineraries (Mekong river boats, Sapa treks, Halong Bay cruises, Hanoi street food) means each traveller needs a tailored plan. NaTHNaC recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Hepatitis B for almost every traveller, with Japanese Encephalitis for rice-growing rural regions and Rabies for longer or off-the-beaten-track trips.

Hepatitis A and Typhoid

Street pho, banh mi stalls, floating markets, all the things that make Vietnam wonderful are also the main routes for food and waterborne illness. Hepatitis A vaccine gives meaningful protection from a single dose, with a booster taking you to around 25 years. Typhoid (Typhim Vi®) protects for around 3 years. Combined as Viatim® if you prefer one injection.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for most Vietnam travel. Risk routes include medical care, dental treatment, tattoos, piercings and new sexual partners. The combined Twinrix® schedule covers Hep A + Hep B together.

Japanese Encephalitis

JE is transmitted by mosquitoes around rice paddies and pig farms. The Mekong Delta, Red River Delta and northern rural areas carry the highest risk, especially in the rainy season (May to October). NaTHNaC recommends the vaccine for stays of a month or more, or shorter rural visits during transmission season. Two doses on days 0 and 28, ideally finished a week before travel.

Rabies

Vietnam has significant rabies risk from stray dogs in most regions. Pre-exposure vaccination matters because post-exposure care abroad is often slow and expensive, and the rabies immunoglobulin needed without pre-exposure is hard to find in country. The two-dose pre-exposure course (days 0 and 7) simplifies post-bite care enormously. Strongly recommended for children, cyclists, motorbike riders and anyone going off the main tourist routes.

Malaria and dengue

Most tourist Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Sapa town) is not malarial. Low risk persists in remote forested provinces and the central highlands. The pharmacist will check your itinerary against UKHSA maps. Dengue is widespread year round; prevention is DEET, long sleeves and avoiding standing water. Ask about Qdenga® if you have had dengue before.

When to come in

Ideally 4 to 6 weeks before departure, especially if you want Japanese Encephalitis or Rabies courses completed. Even 1 to 2 weeks before is worthwhile, the single-dose Hep A, Typhoid and first Hep B give early protection.

Book your Vietnam appointment

Aqua Travel Clinic is at 59 Mill Lane, West Hampstead NW6 1NB, one minute from West Hampstead station. The clinic is operated by Aqua Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1123406), part of Naspram Pharma Limited. All consultations are supervised by Superintendent Pharmacist Sanjay Mukundkumar Patel (GPhC 2045157). Book your Vietnam travel vaccines online. Nearby travellers can also reach us from Camden Town, Hampstead and Belsize Park.