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Vaccinations for Thailand: Know What You Need, Why & When to Get Your Jabs

Thailand is a place of rich culture, delicious food, kind and welcoming people and unbelievably gorgeous vistas, which doesn’t sound like a threatening place by any means.

But coming from the West, it is also a place where you may be exposed to disease.

This is the unglamorous side of travel, but one that every traveller must not ignore.

There is a multitude of viruses and diseases that Westerns may have never heard of and are rarely vaccinated against.

While the risk of disease is real, recognize that alarmism is, too.

Many Western doctors are guilty of ‘tick box’ disease, an unfortunate circumstance where medical practitioners scare patients into getting every single vaccination in the book, which is not only unnecessary, but also extremely costly.

The majority of people travel to and from Thailand without a problem and the most you're likely to encounter is a cold, traveler's cough – as they call it – or food poisoning from a dodgy street food stall.

But as with most things in life, it's better to be safe than sorry, and that's why I've written this guide.

If you’re planning a trip to the Land of Smiles, I've compiled all the information you need on vaccination recommendations to ensure that your time in the Kingdom is without the threat of illness, plus some general health tips so you're fully clued up.

jabs-for-thailand

What The NHS & CDC Say

If you’re headed over from the UK or the US, here are the vaccinations that both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US) and the NHS recommend for Thailand:

  • Measles-mumps-rubella
  • Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
  • Varicella
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Cholera
  • Hepatitis B
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Malaria
  • Rabies
  • Yellow fever

*Note: MMR and Typhoid vaccines are typically scheduled early in childhood, so check your records with your doctor and make sure you are protected.

That’s a a big list. I know. Luckily, most travelers only need a handful of these vaccines based on how long they’re staying and where in Thailand they are visiting.

The National Health Service in the UK generally offers the following vaccinations for free:

  • Cholera
  • Diphtheria
  • Polio
  • Tetanus
  • Hepatitis A
  • And occasionally Hepatitis B and typhoid

Those interested in other vaccinations will have to pay. In the US, most travel vaccinations represent an out of pocket cost- some of which may be covered by an insurance policy.

 

vaccinations for thailand

Necessary Vaccinations for Thailand

As previously mentioned, most travelers don’t receive all vaccinations for Thailand, as that would be quite an expense.

But evaluating what is necessary can be difficult, not to mention nerve wracking. So let's break down what you actually need:

1. Tetanus

Tetanus is an absolute must-have for all travelers. It is not spread through human contact, but through bacteria in soil, manure and even in dust. The bacteria can find its way into the body through small cuts or scrapes.

Cost (USD): The price of a tetanus vaccination in the US ranges from $10-$100, depending on your insurance and if you get tetanus as a combination vaccine.

Why you need it: Tetanus vaccines are a good idea. Tetanus is fairly easy to contract because of its ease of transmission. It is almost impossible to monitor all of the environmental factors associated with travel, so the tetanus vaccine will both protect you and put your mind at ease.  

Actual risk: Those who contract the disease are prone to lockjaw or a tightening in the muscles in the jaw.

In addition, those infected may have seizures, fever, increased heart rate, muscle pain and headache. Long term issues include fractures, blockage of lungs by a blood clot, pneumonia and prolonged, serious breathing issues.

– When to get vaccinated: Get vaccinated anytime before travel. Tetanus is a good ‘all around’ vaccine that will help protect in a variety of circumstances.

– Doses required: 1

2. Hepatitis A

Another important vaccination is to protect against hepatitis A, which is a debilitating liver disease.

Hep A is spread through contact with feces and can affect you if infected parties slack on properly washing their hands. You can also get hep A through contaminated water, food and even objects.

Cost (USD): Depending on your personal insurance plan, the Hep A vaccination (which includes two injections) could cost anywhere from $60-$300.

Why you need it: Hepatitis A is a pretty standard vaccine. The US has started administering it in an infant’s first 12 months, but travelers will definitely benefit from the added protection.

Hep A, in rare cases, can cause debilitating and even fatal liver issues. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.

Actual risk: Your risk of contracting Hep A while traveling to a developing country is actually quite high, and includes every part of the globe except western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Scandinavia.

When to get vaccinated: The Hep A vaccine comes with two injections that are given 6 months apart. If you can plan that far in advance, try to get your first shot over 6 months before your flight.

– Doses required: 2

3. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is found in the blood and bodily fluids of an infected person.

Many people with hepatitis B have few symptoms and may not know they're infected. They may spread the infection without realising it.

Cost (USD): In the US the vaccine can be as little as $20 per does. In the UK GPs may charge for the hepatitis B vaccine if you want it as a travel vaccine. The current cost of the vaccine is around £50 a dose.

Why you need it: If you are planning on being sexually active in Thailand in the “nightlife” world of Thailand it is highly recommended that you have a Hep B jab.

Actual risk: Those at risk of catching Hepatitis B include anyone who has unprotected sex, including anal or oral sex.

You are at risk from those who have had multiple sexual partners and people who have had sex with someone in or from a high-risk area. Men who have sex with men are at higher risk, as are those who have sex with sex workers.

When to get vaccinated: The hepatitis B vaccination generally involves a course of 3 injections. Depending on how quickly you need protection, these may be spread over a period as long as 6 months or as short as 3 weeks.

A combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B jab is also available if you're likely to be at risk of both these conditions while travelling.

4. Rabies

The preventative rabies vaccine is not completely necessary if a traveler is exclusively visiting the major cities in Thailand.

However, for those who are planning on trekking, camping or staying in more remote areas, a rabies vaccine might be a good idea as semi-urgent treatment may not be available for several days.

Getting the preventative vaccine (if you have the time) in a city in Thailand is also a good idea as it will be cheaper than in either the States or in the UK.

The post-exposure rabies vaccine should be administered soon after a suspected bite and again on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day.

Cost (USD): The cost for the rabies vaccine is potentially prohibitive, as each of three injections could cost as much as $250, making the entire dose $750, give or take.

 Why you need it: For those trekking, camping or spending a lot of time in the wilderness, a rabies vaccine is a good idea as rabies infection can cause a host of health issues and may even be fatal, as the virus affects the central nervous system.

Actual risk: Rabies can be found in many animals in Thailand, including mammals like dogs and bats. Those who are traveling outdoors, camping, or working in close contact with animals should get vaccinated.

When to get vaccinated: Those interested in a rabies vaccination should get it 4 weeks prior to travel.

Doses required: 3

5. Japanese Encephalitis

Travelers to Thailand should consider getting a Japanese Encephalitis vaccination only if their immune system is compromised, or if they’ll be spending a lot of time traveling outdoors in remote areas.

Encephalitis is a disease that those from the West may never have encountered, but can (in very rare cases) be fatal. The risk comes primarily from mosquitos and also animals like pigs and birds that wade in swamps or mud.

Most encephalitis infections result in mild symptoms, but 1 in 4 cases result in brain inflammation, high fever, coma, convulsions and death.

Candidates for Japanese Encephalitis include those traveling for over a month and those visiting remote areas of Thailand during the JE season (summer and fall).

Japanese Encephalitis vaccinations should be received in a home country, as it requires two injections that are 28 days apart.

Cost (USD): The cost of Japanese Encephalitis vaccination ranges from $400-$1000, depending on insurance used and consultation costs.

Why you need it: Those trekking, hiking, or working among animals should get the vaccination as one in four cases of JE results in a fatality.

Actual risk: The risk of contracting Japanese Encephalitis is probably very low if you stick to the cities and have no close contact with animals. The risk of contracting this disease – spread by infected mosquitos – can also be lessened by using bug spray.

When to get vaccinated: 4 weeks before travel is sufficient time.

Doses required: 2

Malaria Pills

Another important consideration when traveling to Thailand (and to Southeast Asia in general) is the risk of malaria. Malaria can result in unpleasant symptoms like muscle pain, nausea, increased heart rate, chills and fever.

If untreated, the disease can be fatal. Malaria infected mosquitos are most present in the regions of Thailand that border the countries of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

Malaria infected mosquitos can also be found in the forested areas of Krabi and in other Southern and far Northern provinces. Cases of malaria in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are rare, but not unheard of, as are cases on the islands of Thailand.

To ensure every precaution is made against contracting malaria while in Thailand, travelers can get malaria pills (either doxycycline, mefloquine or chloroquine) and start doses a few days before exposure to a malaria prone area. The cost for these pills ranges from $50-$250, depending on dose size and pill type.

Most travelers staying in decent hotel accommodation and who aren't venturing out trekking don't need malaria pills, but if you are camping, trekking and staying in exposed accommodation near jungle areas you should talk to your doctor about this.

Other Risks & Considerations

Another important consideration when traveling in Thailand is the safety of the drinking water. Most Thais do not even drink water from faucets, tending to purchase purified and bottled water instead.

This is the recommended practice for travelers too. For those who plan on taking extended trips in rural areas, water purification devices are highly recommended.

There is also the rare risk of leptospirosis, which is spread through water or soil that has been in contact with the contaminated urine of infected animals like horses, dogs, rodents, and cattle.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include headache, fever, chills, jaundice, rash and abdominal pain.

It is a rare disease to contract and those involved in work with animals are more at risk. Don't worry though, Leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics.

After reading this article, it may seem like illness in Thailand is hard to avoid. However, serious sickness can be kept at bay by evaluating any travel plans and composing an appropriate vaccination schedule.

Adhering to malaria prevention practices and sticking to purified, bottled water is another great way to ensure that you stay healthy during your trip to the Land of Smiles.

All travel comes with some risk, as does existing! Avoid the worst case scenario with proper planning, which includes getting good travel insurance.

=> See Best Travel Insurance Recommendations

Tips to Start Planning Your Trip Now:

Book Your Flight

Find a cheap flight to Thailand using Momondo. This is my go-to search engine.

Book Your Accommodation

Best hotel rates are found at Agoda, Booking.com, and Hotels.com. For hostels check out Hostelworld.

Tips for Getting Over Jet Lag

Jet lag when traveling to Thailand sucks. Use these 10 tips to get over it fast.

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  1. Bubba says

    I thought I would pass along a little local experience for those individuals relocating to Thailand. With the current state of the COVID-19 epidemic, and after waiting for months for the US Embassy to be an advocate for the health of its citizens, I finally gave up and opted for an AstraZeneca inoculation in Bangkok. I am subsequently relocating to Northern Thailand and currently the Thai government has no plans in place to dispense a second recommended inoculation for individuals in Northern Thailand using AstraZeneca. My advice, is simple, if you are coming to Thailand make sure your COVID-19 vaccination series is complete because you don't want to depend on your Embassy or the Royal Thai government to make sure you are vaccinated against COVID-19.
    Reply

    • Bubba says

      Here is an update to my second vaccination issue. I was able to get a second AstraZeneca vaccine by effectively 'jumping the line' and getting immunized ahead of schedule. But here is a caveat if you are getting vaccinated in Thailand. The Thai medical system does not utilize a uniform Health ID system. The system will generate you a new Health ID number EVERYTIME you go to a new clinic. So I have a resident ID, pink card, which is tied to the first clinic I visited. It is also tied to my passport number. I presented this card when I went for my first shot. When I went for my second shot, the registrar wanted my passport and would not look at my pink card. The system generated a new Health ID number for me and now although I had two vaccines the system shows that I only had one. This means the vaccine passport and certificates can't be generated. I will have to make a 3rd trip to Bang Sue Central Station now before the vaccination center is shut down. If you are getting vaccinated make sure BOTH paper copies show the same Health ID number to avoid the problems I've encountered.
      Reply

  2. sead says

    well its about money isnt it. in total in Sweden you get vaccinated for about 13 vaccines until your adult. 1 vaccine is around 1 Usd. Now what would it cost for an parent to be home for a week and look after her child that got pox. The mother would take the boy to a doctor. Now calculate that this happens 13 times with each child she has. now calculated that 400 million people go visit the doctor and take free from work. Suddenly the 1 Usd vaccine is an good option.
    Reply

  3. Gordon says

    I have been to Thailand Seven times and all times I have taken "Colloidal Silver" with me, which I now make my own on a C/S Silver Generator. Since the age of 42 have never caught the Flu swine or otherwise. Governments and Big Pharma kill people with Aduvents added to these injections, Drug companies "BIG PHARMA" do not have to advise whats in these injections, they get immunity from the "USA GOVT" by NOT having to mention what's, in the Bottle. Now at aged 75 years any health program that by passes the MUCAS MEMBRANE system in your body ,is cheating MOTHER NATURE . C/S will kill the MRSA Bug ( flesh eating bug) upon contact and Stifles the bug in 6 minutes. C/S Safe enough to use in Babies Eyes to any baby suffering from conjunctivitis.
    The Venetions put silver Coins in their Milk 3,000 years ago to ward off Pathogens and Bad Bacteria, Big Pharma do not want you to Known this and Silver is used in all major Hospitals in Burns units to ward off Infections, so why injections?? , follow the Money.
    Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I don't want to start a for or against vaccines debate on this post because it's simply an information post detailed what the CDC and NHS advise. People can make up their own minds. That said, my perspective is that Colloidal Silver lacks data to back up the purported benefits. It has antiviral and anti-fungal properties but so do a lot of things. This doesn't mean it can cure disease and viruses. Yes, silver is used as an antimicrobial barrier for wounds at high risk of infection, but this local environment is very different to regularly ingesting silver, which builds up in the body and in excess can cause kidney damage and argyria. I remain open minded but I need to see some double-blind, placebo-controlled studies before I start taking it.
      Reply

  4. Mark says

    I've traveled for around 8 years in 21 countries overseas, am a U.S. citizen, and lived in Thailand for several years. My suggestion to save money on vaccinations, OTHER than the basic ones required for entry to Thailand, are to wait until you get to Bangkok, and get those vaccinations locally. As many are aware, the U.S. has outrageously high costs for any medical care, and I paid a tiny fraction of that cost in Thailand.
    You can get in touch with the Red Cross in Bangkok to find out where to get those vaccines. Also, I've gotten vaccines in other countries, such as Ecuador, very cheaply. One time for yellow fever, there was actually zero cost for me!
    Reply

  5. billie says

    hello, i am going in 5 weeks and i have 5 injections to have. i have brought them. i would prefer to have them all done in one appointment . is this safe'and is it possible?
    i have typhiod, hepatits a, cholera, japanese encephalitis,malaria.
    all injections.
    Reply

    • David says

      I had several vaccines given all at once back in Canada included typhoid, first dose of Hep B, polio update and TDAP (combined tetanus,diphtheria shot). Have a Thai home in rural Thailand as well, no issues. This was in the fall of 2016.

      thaitravelclinic.com is an excellent resource to check out. Good information on JE, malaria and the like.
      Reply

  6. Zed says

    Just to let you know, im one of the guys that havent been sick 15 years and are against vacinations. After 6 years in Thailand im still good and im 47. But in january i got Hepatit B.
    What you wont read about Hepatit B is that 5% of those who get Hepatit B gets it permanent. I was sick and couldnt eat and had no power for 5 weeks but it could have lasted 5-6 months.
    1: Hepatit B has an incubationtime from 8-24 weeks.
    2: You do get Yellow skin and eyes and its really yellow..
    3: You have an obligation to report it to coworkers and everyone around you and that will make you unpleasant.
    4: You are contagious 2-4 weeks before you get sick yourself and that gets you worried about your family....
    5: Your liver gets damaged.
    6: So just get your Hepatit A+B shot, its much easier...
    Reply

    • Mark says

      As a person who has spent years traveling in tropical countries and has some medical background, I've read a number of articles about the downsides of vaccines. In my opinion and the opinion of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and all other official websites that I'm familiar with, I strongly disagree with the sensationalist attitude of some stating that some or all vaccines are dangerous. Governments are not in the business of killing or maiming their own people for profit from medical procedures.
      I had Dengue Fever acquired in Laos, there is not a vaccine generally available yet, and it was miserable. A second infection could be fatal. I suggest getting vaccines.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      That's true. Cyclists should take care as dogs occasionally snap out if startled by a cyclist or runner. A Thai friend of mine was bitten jogging in a backstreet in Bangkok.If you haven't been vaccinated you'll need to have five doses over a month. In some cases, a medicine called immunoglobulin is given into and around the wound – this provides immediate but short-term protection if there's a significant chance you've been infectedTreatment should be started as soon as possible, ideally within a few hours of being bitten or scratched.
      Reply

    • TheThailandLife says

      I'd say most Thais under 30 will have had Japanese Encephalitis as part of the childhood routine immunization schedule, and had a Tetanus at some point. But it depends on their social background. No one gets a rabies vaccine unless they get a bite or a scratch from a dog. Hep A I'm not so sure on, but it is fairly inexpensive and worth doing.
      Reply

  10. patricia says

    Hello,

    I just wanted to mention the Dengue vaccination. I suffered from Dengue in february (including all the "good" stuff - hospitalized... etc)
    Since I live in Thailand,Dengue is a serious issue for me - I really want to avoid a second infection.

    So I decided to get this dengue vaccination which they only do in Thailand. lucky me, my insurance pays for it (since I already suffered from Dengue) otherwise I'd cost 10000Baht. All together you get 3 shots - one every 6 months so it basically takes one year to become immune.
    The thing about this vaccine is that you can only get it when you already had the disease.

    yours,
    patricia
    Reply

      • Patricia says

        yes, but getting it a second time is the dangerous thing with Dengue.

        well, I felt very hot and cold t the same time fore some days and my back was hurting real bad ( I was on Koh Lipe) when I checked my temperature it was always around 39 something.
        I went to clinic and got some Ibuprofen against the fever and pain - that was the worst thing I could so because YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO TAKE IBUPROFEN WHEN YOU HAVE DENGUE!!! but I didn't know yet...

        after 2 days I felt better that was the day when I returned to Bangkok.

        I've to say that my pain tolerance is very high.

        the next day my whole body was sore and I could hardly move. fever was still there... again around 39. it was so bad. everything hurt. I moved like a 100 year old person and couldn't stand straight.
        In the evening I finally went to a hospital. they checked my blood and told me that I've Dengue. since my white blood cells were very low I had to stay there fore almost a week...

        I really never want to feel like that again!
        Reply

        • TheThailandLife says

          Oh my, you poor thing. It sounds horrible. I always worry for my daughter when we visit the islands. It's so hard to protect a young child. It seems every time I turn around she has been bitten. Her bites came up really badly in Krabi and the scars are still there.
          Reply

          • Patricia says

            I'm with you!! You really need to protect her! I think th vaccine is suited for youngsters.

            I was hospitalized in the Samitivej Hospital - they're Dengue experts. Check out their homepage - there you'll find all information you need about the vaccination.

            On Monday I've my (hopefully last) check up there.


            Cheers
            Pat
            Reply

  11. James says

    TTL,

    Excellent information. Do you have any cost guesstimates for getting the suggested vaccines while in Thailand? I understand some of the vaccines take a while to become effective but if you were going to Bangkok for a couple of weeks with a plan for a more long-duration, outdoor oriented stay later, you might be able to save the plane fare by getting the shots in BKK as opposed to the US.

    Thanks!
    Reply

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