Vaccination Requirements
If you found this page because you were wondering if you should have any vaccines before coming to Thailand, then you are probably more sensible than the countless individuals who don't bother... but live to regret their neglect of basic health precautions.
Unlike more developed nations, with cooler climates, Thailand does have various problems with infectious diseases and you would be wise to protect yourself and this is as straightforward as making sure your vaccinations are up to date.
Visit your doctor at least 6 weeks before you leave your home country and ask advice on the current situation in the areas you are likely to visit. Your doctor will be able to check your current immunity status and make the correct decision on boosters and additional cover. Long term visitors should consider all of these vaccines, whereas short term visitors may not require all of them.
See also: Malaria Risk
Hepatitis A and B
Hepatitis A is recommended for everyone.
Hepatitis B damages the liver, causes Jaundice and may even lead to liver failure. It is spread through sexual intercourse, contaminated needles and other similar forms of contact. Recommended.
Japanese B Encephalitis
Japanese B Encephalitis is a very serious condition and can lead to permanent brain damage. We strongly recommend this vaccine, particularly if you will be traveling to rural areas and staying in the country for long periods. It is spread by Mosquitoes and if you are unable to avoid bites, you are at risk.
Rabies
Rabies is nearly always fatal. If you develop the symptoms, you have a death sentence... and as Thailand is affected by Rabies, we strongly recommend you have the pre-exposure vaccine, consisting of 3 doses injected into the deltoid muscle over a 3-4 week period. Even if you have this vaccine, the level of protection is not good and you should urgently seek medical help if you are bitten by an animal and post-exposure treatment should be seriously considered.
Typhoid
Typhoid is spread through contaminated food or water and causes septicemia. Recommended for everyone, particularly if you are visiting areas where you may not always be able to ensure good food hygiene. If you are only visiting for a short trip and restricting your meals to large, clean hotels, this vaccine may not be necessary.
Yellow Fever
If you are arriving in Thailand from an country affected by Yellow Fever, you will be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination, stating you have had the correct immunization and this is only acceptable if issued by an approved Yellow Fever vaccination centre. If you are not arriving from an affected region, it's not necessarily recommended.
Others
Tetanus, Diphtheria... You should have a booster every 10 years to ensure good immunity.
Disclaimer:- The information on this page is considered correct at the time of writing and you should always seek advice from your doctor for the most appropriate course of action for protecting your health. We accept no liability for misinterpretation of this page and no guarantee is made about the accuracy of the data.
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