About 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.
Vaccines Recommended For Vietnam.
When planning travel to Vietnam, it’s important to review which vaccines may be recommended for your stay. Japanese encephalitis vaccination is strongly encouraged for travelers spending extended time in Vietnam, especially in rural areas or for expats, since this mosquito-borne disease can be life-threatening and cause lasting neurological damage. Chikungunya, another mosquito virus, presents low risk for short-term visitors, but vaccination may be advised for older adults or those staying six months or longer. Rabies also remains a concern, particularly in villages and rural provinces where stray dogs are more common—many travelers choose the pre-exposure rabies vaccine for peace of mind, as rabies has no cure. On the other hand, yellow fever is not present in Vietnam, so the vaccine is not required for visitors from the U.S., Europe, or Asia; however, if you are arriving from certain parts of Africa or South America, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be requested.
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, 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 any of our Massachusetts locations for the vaccinations you need to keep you protected while traveling in Vietnam. You can schedule your appointment online or call the office nearest you for an appointment today!