Travel vaccines for Vietnam

Food and water hygiene, mosquito bites and animal bites are the main things to plan for. Malaria tablets are not usually needed.

Vaccines for Vietnam

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

RabiesRabies has been reported in domestic animals.Ask about a faster courseJapanese EncephalitisOccurs countrywide, all year, with peaks from May to October, especially in the north.Ask about a faster courseHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in Vietnam.Ask about a faster courseDengueAsk about a faster courseChikungunyaFits before you fly
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.

Malaria

Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised.

  • Low risk in the southern provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, and in other rural areas: awareness and bite avoidance.
  • No risk in large cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island.
  • For travellers at higher risk, atovaquone with proguanil or doxycycline are the suitable options.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Altitude

Mount Fansipan rises to 3,143 metres.

Zika

There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.

Sexual health

Extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea has been reported in UK travellers returning from tourist areas. Use condoms.

Air quality

Can be poor in the larger cities.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about Vietnam

What vaccines do I need for Vietnam?+

For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for Vietnam?+

Low risk. Tablets are not usually advised. Low risk in the southern provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, and in other rural areas: awareness and bite avoidance. No risk in large cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island. For travellers at higher risk, atovaquone with proguanil or doxycycline are the suitable options.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Vietnam?+

There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for Vietnam?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813