When making plans to travel abroad, it is important to check whether there are any specific health requirements for your destination. Some countries require particular vaccinations and will not allow entry to travellers without proof of these, while others recommend having some vaccinations due to the higher risk of contracting certain diseases.
You can speak with one of our experienced doctors to find out which vaccinations are advised for your travel destinations, and you should do your own research before making decisions. Let’s take a look at the vaccinations generally recommended for Thailand and Vietnam.
Finding Out About Travel Vaccines
When you are travelling abroad, it is recommended that all your routine childhood vaccinations are up to date. In Ireland, these include Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Hib, Hepatitis B and Polio (Td/IPV), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Meningococcal B (Meningitis B). You can check your vaccination records with your doctor and discuss the options before you finalise your travel plans.
The travel vaccinations you need will depend on your destination(s) and your itinerary. Some activities, such as trekking into the jungle, for instance, will increase your risk of contracting certain illnesses and you may be advised to have specific vaccinations to prevent these.
Which Vaccinations are Required to Visit Thailand and Vietnam?
There are generally no compulsory vaccinations required for entry into Thailand or Vietnam, but several vaccinations may be recommended depending on your itinerary, length of stay, planned activities and individual circumstances.
Let’s take a look at each in turn:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A affects the liver, and is a highly contagious infection spread via contaminated food and water or close contact with someone who has the infection. Most people fully recover within a few months, and symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, fever, fatigue, nausea and sickness and loss of appetite. Good hygiene is essential, and the Hepatitis A vaccine is usually recommended for travel in Thailand and Vietnam.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B also affects the liver and is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, such as through sexual intercourse or sharing needles or personal items. Many people do not show symptoms, but these include exhaustion, vomiting, nausea, dark urine, jaundice, stomach pain and joint or muscle pain. Acute Hepatitis B usually resolves within six months without side effects, while chronic Hepatitis B is a lifelong condition. This is more common in babies and young children and can persist in the body and lead to severe liver damage. Your doctor can advise whether Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended based on your travel plans and individual risk factors.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a rare viral infection that leads to swelling in the brain and is spread via infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting, as well as confusion and seizures in severe cases. It is usually a mild infection and cannot spread between humans, but severe cases can lead to permanent brain damage or death. You should consult your doctor to find out whether this vaccine is recommended for you, depending on your travel itinerary, length of stay and planned activities, particularly if you will be spending time in rural areas.
Polio
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a contagious viral disease that is spread through contaminated food or water, or via infected faeces. Many people do not show symptoms, while some experience flu-like symptoms and a sore throat. In rare cases, the virus can attack the nervous system, and this can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. Most people will have been vaccinated against polio in the standard childhood vaccination schedule in Ireland.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is almost always fatal if untreated. It is spread via infected animals, including dogs, monkeys and bats, and is more common in certain areas. In the early stages, symptoms are flu-like, and treatment must be sought immediately following an animal bite. At this stage, treatment is usually completely effective. More advanced symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, seizures and paralysis.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread via contaminated food and water, and symptoms include a slow-rising high fever, headache, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea and a rash. It can be treated with antibiotics, and good hygiene practices are essential to prevent the spread of the infection. Typhoid vaccination may be recommended depending on where you are travelling and the type and duration of your trip.
For all of the above, and any other diseases you are concerned about, you should discuss your specific risk with one of our experienced travel doctors. Your risk profile will depend on your destination(s) and the type of activities you will be undertaking while you are abroad, as well as your age and any underlying health conditions.
What About Malaria?
In many parts of the world, travellers must consider illnesses spread by infected mosquitoes, such as malaria. Malaria risk varies depending on the specific areas you are visiting. Major cities and many popular tourist destinations in Thailand and Vietnam have no or very low risk of malaria, while there may be a higher risk in some rural or border areas. It is also possible to be bitten by mosquitoes that carry other diseases, including dengue.
Malaria tablets, or anti-malarials, may be recommended for you depending on your travel plans, so you should discuss these carefully with your doctor. It is also sensible to invest in a good quality insect repellent and to cover your skin, especially in the evening and overnight. Carrying a light mosquito net to sleep under is a good way to protect yourself.
Health Precautions While Travelling
When you are travelling, it is important to understand the risks of the local area and how to seek medical advice should you need it. It is usually wise to drink only bottled water, and to avoid salads and fruits that have been washed in untreated water. Freshly cooked foods are usually safer, and while Thailand and Vietnam both have an impressive street food culture, you should be careful when making your choices to prevent stomach bugs and infections.
Take care in the sun, as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very dangerous, and pack rehydration salts in your travel first aid kit in case you need them. A good SPF will help to protect your skin, and you should ensure that you have enough for the duration of your trip. Before you go, research the local medical facilities and ensure that you know how to ask for help, and avoid contact with local animals wherever you can, especially stray dogs and monkeys, which both carry a risk of rabies.
When to Plan Travel Vaccinations
Depending on the vaccinations you require, you will need to work with your doctor to ensure you have had all the required doses before you travel. Your vaccines will likely be spread out over several weeks, so it is important to allow enough time for this when you are planning your trip.
You should book a travel consultation at least eight weeks ahead of your departure date, and preferably sooner to ensure that you have plenty of time for your vaccination schedule. However, if you are concerned that you have left it too late, we may still be able to help you with the essential vaccinations and travel advice you need.
Travel Vaccination Advice at Roxboro Medical Centre
At Roxboro Medical Centre, we provide healthcare for all the family in Limerick. Fill in the form below or contact us to book a travel consultation with one of our experienced GPs or find out more about our range of services.
Book Your Travel Vaccine Consultation