Vaccinations for Vietnam – a guide for UK travellers
Most travellers to Vietnam should check that their routine UK vaccinations are complete. Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid protection are recommended for many trips, while hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, MMR and other vaccines may be considered after an individual risk assessment.
Your recommendations depend on your route, length of stay, accommodation, season, planned activities, medical history and previous vaccinations. A short city-and-beach holiday may need different protection from backpacking, rural travel or a long stay.
Book a Vietnam travel consultation
Appointments take place at Bute Clinic above Treherbert Pharmacy. You can also call 01443 776133. Vaccination and prescription medicines remain subject to clinical assessment and availability.
Vaccinations for Vietnam at a glance
- All travellers: check that routine UK vaccines are up to date, particularly MMR and the combined tetanus, diphtheria and polio course.
- Most travellers: hepatitis A is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers; typhoid is recommended for most travellers, particularly longer stays and visits where food and water hygiene may be less reliable.
- Tetanus protection: a booster may be recommended if the last dose was more than 10 years ago and medical facilities may be limited.
- Some travellers: hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, dengue, MMR and BCG may be relevant depending on age, itinerary, duration and activities.
- Malaria: risk varies by region. There is no malaria risk in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the Red River delta, Phu Quoc or coastal areas north of Nha Trang, but low risk remains in some rural southern and central provinces.
- Certificates: Vietnam currently has no vaccination-certificate requirements under the International Health Regulations.
Country guidance can change. Check the latest TravelHealthPro Vietnam guidance and FCDO Vietnam health advice before departure.
Which vaccinations for Vietnam are recommended?
| Vaccine or protection | Why it may be discussed | Bute Clinic price |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers because infection can spread through contaminated food and water. | £50 per dose |
| Typhoid | Recommended for most travellers, particularly young children, frequent or long-stay travellers and those visiting areas where sanitation may be poor. | £35 per dose |
| Tetanus, diphtheria and polio | Routine UK protection should be complete. A booster may be advised if the last dose was more than 10 years ago and access to medical treatment may be limited. | £35 per dose |
| Hepatitis B | May be considered for all travellers and is particularly relevant for long stays, visiting relatives, healthcare work, possible medical treatment, contact sports or blood and sexual exposure. | £45 per dose |
| Hepatitis A and B combined | May be appropriate where protection against both infections is indicated and the combined schedule is clinically suitable. | £80 per dose |
| Rabies | Recommended for some travellers, including longer stays, limited access to emergency treatment, animal-related work, cycling, running and other higher-risk activities. | £95 per dose |
| Japanese encephalitis | May be considered for rural travel, stays of one month or more, repeated visits or activities around rice fields, wetlands and pig farms. | £115 per dose |
| MMR | Measles risk is assessed as higher than in the UK. Travellers should be fully vaccinated according to current UK recommendations. | £45 per dose |
| Chikungunya | May be considered for eligible long-term or frequent travellers or travel during a relevant outbreak. Mosquito-bite prevention remains essential. | Ask at consultation |
Prices are per dose. Several vaccines require a course, so total cost depends on the recommended schedule and your previous vaccination history. Suitability and product choice are confirmed after assessment.
Do I need malaria tablets for Vietnam?
Most travellers following common city, coastal and island itineraries do not routinely need malaria tablets. Current UK guidance identifies:
- No malaria risk: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the Red River delta, Phu Quoc Island and coastal areas north of Nha Trang.
- Low malaria risk: rural areas and parts of southern Vietnam, including Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum.
- Higher-risk travellers: tablets may be considered in low-risk areas for long stays, pregnancy, young children, older travellers, immune suppression, complex health conditions or visiting friends and relatives.
For selected travellers visiting low-risk areas, atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline may be considered after an individual assessment. The final recommendation depends on your exact overnight stops, activities, duration and health.
Malaria and mosquito-borne illness safety advice
- No malaria medicine is completely effective. Combine any prescribed tablets with rigorous mosquito-bite avoidance.
- Dengue and chikungunya mosquitoes mainly bite during daylight, while malaria and Japanese encephalitis mosquitoes mainly bite from dusk to dawn.
- Use an effective repellent, wear loose covering clothing where practical and choose screened or air-conditioned accommodation.
- Seek immediate medical assessment for a fever of 38°C or above after visiting a malaria-risk area, or for malaria-like symptoms within one year of returning. Clearly state your travel history.
Does the Vietnam vaccination advice change for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or rural Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam covers cities, beaches, highlands, rice-growing areas and remote border regions. The same vaccine and malaria plan does not suit every traveller.
- Hanoi and the Red River deltaThere is currently no malaria risk, but hepatitis A, typhoid, routine vaccination and daytime mosquito protection remain relevant.
- Ho Chi Minh CityThere is currently no malaria risk in the city. Food and water hygiene, dengue prevention and routine travel vaccines still need consideration.
- Phu Quoc and northern coastal areasThese are currently listed as no-malaria-risk areas, but bite avoidance remains important because other mosquito-borne infections occur.
- Central highlands and rural southLow malaria risk applies in selected provinces. Rural exposure may also increase the relevance of Japanese encephalitis and rabies vaccination.
- Backpacking and uncertain routesUnplanned rural stops, basic accommodation, animal contact and cross-border travel may change vaccine and malaria recommendations substantially.
- Vietnam with Cambodia, Laos or ThailandBring the full multi-country route. Vaccine, certificate and malaria advice must cover every destination and border area, not only Vietnam.
Should I have Japanese encephalitis vaccination?
Japanese encephalitis occurs throughout Vietnam. Risk is present year-round, with seasonal peaks from May to October, particularly in northern Vietnam.
Vaccination is more likely to be considered for:
- Stays of one month or more in an affected area.
- Frequent travel to Vietnam or repeated rural visits.
- Uncertain itineraries or extensive travel outside major cities.
- Shorter trips involving rice fields, wetlands, pig farms, camping or substantial evening outdoor exposure.
A short trip confined to major urban areas is usually lower risk, but bite avoidance between dusk and dawn remains important.
Vietnam’s Japanese encephalitis pattern
- Geography: countrywide.
- Season: year-round risk.
- Peak: May to October, especially in the north.
- Typical exposure: rural areas, rice fields, marshes, wetlands and pig farming.
Should I have a rabies vaccine for Vietnam?
Rabies is a recognised risk in Vietnam and has been reported in domestic animals. Dogs cause many exposures, while cats, monkeys and bats may also transmit rabies or related viruses.
Pre-travel vaccination is particularly worth considering for:
- Trips lasting more than one month.
- Children, who may approach animals or fail to report a scratch or lick.
- Cycling, running, animal work or other activities that increase exposure.
- Travel where prompt and reliable post-exposure treatment may be difficult to obtain.
Pre-exposure vaccination does not remove the need for urgent treatment after a bite, scratch or lick to broken skin. It simplifies treatment and removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin, which can be difficult to source.
After any possible rabies exposure
- Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water.
- Apply a suitable antiseptic where available.
- Seek urgent assessment from a reputable medical provider, even if the wound appears minor and even if you were vaccinated before travel.
- Contact your travel insurer or medical assistance service promptly.
When should I get vaccinations for Vietnam?
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Start checking requirements at least 8 weeks before travel
The FCDO recommends reviewing Vietnam vaccine and health risks at least eight weeks before departure.
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Aim to attend 4 to 6 weeks before departure
This gives time for vaccines to work and for courses involving more than one dose. Complex trips and long stays may benefit from an earlier assessment.
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Still book if you are travelling soon
Some vaccines, malaria advice and risk-reduction measures may still be useful. A late consultation is preferable to travelling without an assessment.
What happens at your Vietnam travel appointment?
- Itinerary review: cities, provinces, rural areas, dates, accommodation, activities and every international stopover.
- Clinical assessment: age, pregnancy, medical conditions, medicines, allergies, immune status and previous vaccine reactions.
- Vaccination-history check: bring NHS, occupational or private vaccine records where available.
- Personalised plan: vaccines, malaria prevention, mosquito protection, food and water advice and follow-up doses.
- Vaccination: suitable vaccines can often be administered at the appointment when stock is available.
Other health risks to consider before travelling to Vietnam
- Dengue and chikungunyaBoth are spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes. Repellent and bite avoidance are important in towns, cities and rural areas.
- MeaslesMeasles risk is assessed as higher than in the UK. Check that adults and children have received the recommended MMR or MMRV doses.
- Food and water illnessHepatitis A and typhoid vaccination reduce selected risks but do not prevent every cause of diarrhoea. Careful hygiene remains essential.
- AltitudeMount Fansipan exceeds 3,000 metres. Gradual ascent and acclimatisation are important for high-altitude trekking.
- Air pollutionPoor air quality can worsen heart and lung conditions. Check local air-quality information and carry adequate regular medication.
- Medicines and insuranceVietnam restricts some addictive and psychotropic medicines. Check current rules, retain original packaging and arrange suitable medical insurance.
Travelling with prescription medicines
The FCDO warns that some medicines can be difficult to obtain in Vietnam and counterfeit products are common. Vietnam also applies restrictions to medicines it classifies as addictive or psychotropic, including some treatments for pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia and addiction.
Carry prescribed medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription and an appropriate clinician’s letter. Current rules may restrict the quantity of certain medicines that can be brought into the country.
Check the latest official guidance and contact the Vietnamese Embassy before travel if you are unsure whether your medicine is restricted.
Are travel vaccinations for Vietnam free on the NHS?
Some travel vaccines may be available without charge through an NHS service after a travel risk assessment. NHS guidance lists hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera and polio-containing travel vaccination among those that may be provided through NHS routes.
Other vaccines, including hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis, are not routinely funded by the NHS for travel and are usually supplied privately.
Provision varies between GP practices. Bute Clinic offers a free private travel consultation and explains the likely schedule and private cost before treatment. Review the current NHS travel vaccination guidance if you are considering an NHS route.
Frequently asked questions
Which vaccinations for Vietnam are recommended?
Routine UK vaccines should be complete. Hepatitis A is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers, and typhoid and tetanus protection are relevant for many trips. Hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, MMR and other vaccines depend on the itinerary and traveller.
Is it mandatory to have vaccinations for Vietnam entry?
Vietnam currently has no vaccination-certificate requirements under the International Health Regulations. This does not mean vaccination is unnecessary; recommended protection is based on disease exposure rather than border rules.
Do I need malaria tablets for Vietnam?
Usually not for common city, coastal and Phu Quoc itineraries. Low malaria risk remains in some rural southern and central provinces, and tablets may be considered for selected higher-risk travellers after assessment.
Do I need Japanese encephalitis vaccination for Vietnam?
It is more likely to be considered for rural stays, trips of one month or more, frequent travel, uncertain routes or shorter visits involving rice fields, wetlands, pig farms or substantial evening outdoor exposure.
How far in advance should I get vaccinations for Vietnam?
Start checking requirements around eight weeks before departure and aim to attend a consultation at least four to six weeks before travel. It is still worth booking if your trip is sooner.
How much do vaccinations for Vietnam cost?
Costs depend on the vaccines and number of doses required. At Bute Clinic, relevant travel vaccines currently start from £35 per dose and the initial travel consultation is free.
Should I have rabies vaccinations for Vietnam?
It may be particularly valuable for longer stays, children, runners, cyclists, animal-related work, rural or remote travel and trips where reliable emergency treatment may be difficult to access.
Can I get vaccinations for Vietnam near Treorchy?
Yes. Bute Clinic is above Treherbert Pharmacy and provides private travel consultations and vaccinations for people from Treherbert, Treorchy, Rhondda and nearby South Wales communities.
Book your Vietnam travel vaccination consultation
Arrange a free travel consultation at Bute Clinic for personalised Vietnam vaccine, malaria and travel-health advice. Bring your complete route and any previous vaccination records.
Book a Vietnam travel consultation
You can also call 01443 776133. Vaccines and prescription medicines are supplied only where clinically suitable.
Local travel clinic appointments
Bute Clinic welcomes travellers from across the upper Rhondda and nearby valleys.
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- Treherbert
- Treorchy
- Rhondda
- Tonypandy
- Porth
- Aberdare
- Mountain Ash
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Pontypridd
- Pentre
- Bridgend
- Cymmer
Related services and guidance
- Travel ClinicFull vaccine prices, malaria prevention and private travel-health appointments.
- Bute ClinicPrivate clinical services above Treherbert Pharmacy.
- Period delayPrivate assessment for suitable patients preparing for a holiday or event.
- Private COVID vaccinationPrivate vaccination following an individual suitability assessment.
Contact Bute Clinic by Treherbert Pharmacy
Written by: Jonathan James, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, GPhC 2066318
Clinical reviewer: Thomas Harries, Superintendent Pharmacist, GPhC 2210031
Last reviewed: 03/07/2026