What Vaccinations Should I Get If I'm Travelling To Thailand?

Before you head off and enjoy the tropical beaches, jungles and incredible nightlife in Thailand, there are a few vaccines you'll need. To jump-start your holiday, we've compiled a list of all the jabs you need before boarding.

Please note: Before you take any vaccine, you'll need to disclose your medical status to a medical expert. Remember to mention if you are pregnant, allergic to penicillin, or have a generally weak immune system. It is very important to get the right medical advice before getting your vaccines.

HIGH PRIORITY

Hepatitis A:

• This vaccination is essential for travellers over the age of one. Babies younger than one year who have allergic reactions to the vaccine's components, should rather get the intramuscular immune globulin shot.
• It should be administered at least two weeks before departure.
• Get a booster shot 6 to 12 months later to assure immunization.
• Those with low immunity and with chronic medical conditions should receive an intramuscular immune globulin shot in addition to the initial vaccination. This also applies to the elderly.

Japanese Encephalitis (Circumstantial):

• This vaccine is recommended for any traveller looking to visit rural areas and spend time outdoors (especially in the evening).
• Outbreaks occur from May through to October in the north and occasionally in the south.
• Annual outbreaks in rural areas are commonplace while urban and suburban outbreaks are not known to occur.
• For those aged 17 and older, a vaccine is administered intramuscularly, followed by a second dose 28 days later. The series should be completed at least one week before travel.
• Another vaccine is recommended for those younger than 17. It is given as a series of three injections on the 1st, 17th and 30th days.
• Vaccines are subject to a doctor's observation at least 30 minutes following the injection. The series must be completed at least 10 days before departure.
• Prevention is better than cure, so use the vaccine in conjunction with a strong insect repellent.

Typhoid:

• The vaccination is essential for all travellers.
• It generally consists of a set of tablets that are kept refrigerated and taken orally.
• An alternative vaccine is an injection - this is approved for those over the age of two.
• The injection is recommended for pregnant travellers and those with low immune systems.

Hepatitis B:

• This vaccination is recommended for all travellers going to Thailand - the disease is spread by blood and body fluids, so it is not limited to a specific area.
• The vaccine series consists of three intramuscular doses given: one initial dose, and a dose given 1 month later and then 6 months later.
• The alternative vaccine series consists of four intramuscular doses: one initial dose, and then doses given 1 month later, 2 months later and then 12 months later. Appropriate for travellers departing in less than 6 months.

Yellow Fever (Circumstantial):

• Prerequisite for anybody over the age of one from a yellow-fever infected endemic zone (African countries, the Americas and others).
• The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at an approved yellow fever vaccination center. An International Certificate of Vaccination will prove that you're immunized.
• The vaccine is not recommended for children under 6 months old, adults with low immunity, or those allergic to chicken eggs (where the vaccine is cultured). This applies to those with a malignant neoplasm, with a history of thymus disease or thymectomy.
• Those between the ages of 6 and 8 months or 60 years or older, pregnant, or breastfeeding should see a medical professional before getting vaccinated.

MEDIUM PRIORITY

Rabies:

• This vaccination is highly recommended for travellers working with animals or going to rural areas.
• Children should receive this vaccine as they are more likely to play with animals - even locally.
• In Thailand, dogs represent the primary rabies carrier. Still, you should remain wary of domestic cats and other mammals.
• A complete pre-exposure series consists of three doses of vaccine injected into the deltoid muscle on 4 different occasions (the first day, day 7 and day 21 or 28).
• Even if immunized, always clean an animal bite/ scratch accordingly.

Tetanus-Diphtheria:

• Every traveller who hasn't had their tetanus jab should get this vaccination.

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) (Circumstantial):

• Two doses are recommended (if not previously given) for all travellers born after 1956, unless naturally immune (blood tests will show).
• Many adults born after 1956 and before 1970 have received a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella as children. Travellers born between those times should be given a second dose before departing.
• Pregnant women and those with low immunity should exercise caution - seek professional advice about the vaccine.

LOW PRIORITY

Cholera (Circumstantial):

• Not essential, as casual travellers aren't usually exposed to tainted water.
• Aid workers or those who plan to spend time in rural or informal settlements are at risk.
• Two vaccines have recently been developed - both are administered orally.

Polio (Circumstantial):

• The Polio vaccine is not generally recommended for adults who have been immunized during childhood, as no polio cases have been reported in Thailand for decades.
• A one-time booster of inactivated polio vaccine may be considered for extended travel to rural areas.

Always be aware of the potential side-effects when getting vaccinated and remember to travel safely despite them. The best vaccinations are care and caution.