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Popular Sites in Vietnam
Vietnam welcomes millions of international tourists each year, and it’s easy to see why; culture, cuisine, coastal beauty and calming nature abound! Vietnam’s largest cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) blend ancient and modern with interesting architecture, bustling markets, and endless food options. Popular costal areas include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, and famous beaches in Na Trang and Da Nang. The popular trekking base of Sa Pa allows travelers to explore beautiful mountain scenery in northern Vietnam.
Food and Water Advice for Vietnam
While Vietnam has made significant progress in public health over the last several decades, travelers as still encouraged to use caution in food and beverage choices as traveler’s diarrhea is still a common occurrence for many visitors. Avoid undercooked seafood and meats, as well as uncooked vegetables and raw fruits you cannot peel yourself. Tap water is unsafe to drink and ice may come from unpurified water sources. It’s a good idea to bring along some over-the-counter medications like loperimide (Immodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) to help with a mild case of traveler’s diarrhea. In rare cases, antibiotics or antiparasitic medications may be necessary to treat severe traveler’s diarrhea and a visit to a local clinic may be needed. CDC recommends all travelers to invest in a travel health insurance plan in case of serious illness while abroad.
Is Typhoid Fever Vaccine Recommended for Vietnam?
Yes, for most travelers to Vietnam, the CDC does recommend the typhoid fever vaccine. Because the bacteria that causes typhoid illness is easily transmitted from unwashed hands to food, beverages, and utensils, vaccination is the best prevention.
Do I Need Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination for Vietnam?
Some travelers to Vietnam should consider vaccination against Japanese encephalitis, especially if you have plans to visit rural areas for sightseeing or hiking, or have plans to stay in Vietnam for more than a few weeks. For visitors with plans to only visit major cities or urban areas on a short trip, the risk of Japanese encephalitis is low. This mosquito disease can be life-threatening and may lead to long-term neurologic damage so vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is strongly encouraged for higher-risk individuals including expats who live part-time or year round in Vietnam.
Chikungunya Vaccine Advice for Vietnam
Chikungunya virus is known to transmit from mosquitos in Vietnam. Although the the risk is low for most travelers, chikungunya vaccination is recommended for people with plans to be in Vietnam for 6 months or longer, or for adults 65 years and older with plans to visit for 2 weeks or longer. Older adults are known to be at higher risk for serious long-term complications from chikungunya infection.
Is There Yellow Fever in Vietnam?
Vietnam, like all of Asia, is yellow-fever free, meaning the yellow fever vaccine is not recommended nor is it required for travelers arriving from the US, Europe, or Asia. Be aware, if you have recently traveled to certain countries in Africa or South America just before arriving to Vietnam, the vaccine may be required. In these cases, yellow fever vaccine must be documented in the official CDC “Yellow Book.”
Should I Get the Rabies Vaccination for Vietnam?
While the government of Vietnam is working to reduce the risk of rabies in dogs, some travelers may choose to receive the pre-exposure human rabies vaccine in case of a dog bite from a stray, which are still found in some streets of Vietnam. In particular, if your travel plans include small villages, rural provinces, hiking, or a stay more than several weeks, the rabies vaccine may be suggested. Keep in mind, there is no treatment or cure for rabies, so many travelers choose the peace of mind that comes with vaccination before leaving.
Routine Immunization Advice for Vietnam
It’s important to check your vaccine record before departing for Vietnam, and best to be up-to-date on, Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B, COVID, Chickenpox (Varicella), Flu, Measles (MMR), Pertussis (Tdap), Polio. Additionally, for older adults, immunizations to protect against Shingles, Pneumonia, and RSV may be recommended.
Some vaccinations protect for lifetime while others need additional doses (boosters) to be fully protective. Schedule an appointment with your local travel clinic to review your vaccination history before visiting Vietnam.
Do I Need Antimalarial Medication for Vietnam?
While malaria cases and deaths have decreased significantly in Vietnam over the last few decades, there is still a risk of infection in less developed regions and rural forested areas. According to CDC visitors to any of these nine provinces should take malaria prophylactic medication; Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Phu Yen, and Quang Nam.
Malaria is not a concern for visitors to major cities in Vietnam including; Da Nang, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, and Quy Nhon. Additionally, those with plans to visit the Mekong and Red River deltas regions of Vietnam have a low risk of malaria and tablets are generally not recommended.
In the United States, antimalaria medication is by prescription only, and several options are available. Medication must be taken before, during, and after visiting a risk area. Malaria can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and in some cases death. Per CDC, Infants and young children are especially prone to serious complications from malaria infection, and pediatric dosing of malaria medication is available.
Where to Find a Travel Clinic in Vietnam
If you are an expat living in Vietnam or a traveler already on your way and have not received vaccinations, it’s not too late!
Family Medical Practice Vietnam offers locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and Da Nang (Danang). All offices carry vaccinations for travel including any recommended for living or traveling in Vietnam like typhoid fever and Japanese encephalitis. Their offices routinely provide care to expats and other foreign travelers and staff are English speaking. Request an appointment via their website or phone.
Visit Destination Health Clinic Before Your Trip To Vietnam
Meet with a travel health specialist at at Destination Health Clinic before your trip to Vietnam. During an appointment we will provide health advice, vaccinations, and if needed, a prescription for malaria tablets.
Visit one of our three Massachusetts locations; Braintree – South Shore, Springfield – Longmeadow, or Natick – Framingham. You can schedule your appointment online or call our office and we’ll be happy to help answer any questions.