Vaccination before
traveling to Vietnam

When traveling abroad to Vietnam, there is a range of vaccinations that should be considered. It’s important to get in contact with a medical provider specializing in vaccinations for Vietnam so that you have plenty of time to get the ones you need. Continue reading to find out what vaccinations are recommended or required when you travel to Vietnam, helpful tips to avoid mosquito bites (malaria and dengue) and other health risks are recommended.

Pre-travel Vaccination

Although there are no specific vaccinations required for Vietnam travel by Vietnamese law, you are strongly recommended to meet with a medical provider to determine which other vaccinations you may need. Some of the vaccinations you received in the past, however, you are likely to take them again or booster before departure to Vietnam.
If you did not receive these routine vaccines in childhood or if they are past the date in which a booster vaccine should have been received, please check with a competent medical provider in your country to get vaccinated:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

Additional potential vaccinations for Vietnam

You should make an appointment with your medical provider to share your travel plan and ask for additional vaccinations before your trip to Vietnam. Some common vaccinations are suggested as below:

• Hepatitis A
  Hepatitis A is a viral disease that affects the liver and can be spread through contaminated food and water no matter where you end up visiting. This vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Vietnam. Once you complete the vaccine course it is lifelong.
• Hepatitis B
  This viral illness also affects the liver and other organs and is spread through sexual contact, blood products or contaminated needles. This vaccine has been part of the standard vaccine schedule for over 20 years now so many will already be vaccinated. This vaccine is often recommended for those who may be traveling in more remote areas or who are frequent travelers to at-risk countries. It would also be recommended for those who may have sexual contact with a new partner, who may have medical procedures or receive a tattoo or piercing. These activities would be cautioned against in a country such as Vietnam due to this risk. Once the course is completed vaccination is lifelong.
• Typhoid Fever
  Typhoid can be transmitted through contaminated food or water and it is common in developing countries like Vietnam, therefore this vaccine is often recommended, particularly for travel to smaller cities or for those who plan to be more adventurous with eating and drinking.
• Yellow Fever
  There is no yellow fever in Vietnam, however, if you have visited a country with a yellow fever risk, the government may require proof of vaccination before your travel to Vietnam.
• Japanese Encephalitis
  This is a serious viral illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Because this illness is endemic throughout the country, this vaccine may be recommended, especially for those visiting rural areas, rice farms or irrigation areas.
• Rabies
  Rabies is a deadly viral illness transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Depending on where you travel and the nature of your activities, you may be recommended to receive a course of rabies vaccination. Once vaccinated it gives lifelong cover and reduces necessary treatment if bitten significantly.

                                                                                                                  Source: Traveldoctor.com.au

COVID-19 Vaccination

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam are no longer requested to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter Vietnam. However, as suggested by CDC, you should get vaccinated and up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination before departure to the country.

Read more about COVID-19 Vaccines for Specific Groups of People

Healthy Travel Packing List

You should check with your doctor for more advice to pack relevant items for your health and safety abroad in Vietnam

Check this helpful guide from CDC for a suggested healthy travel packing list.

Tips to prevent potential health risks for Vietnam Travel

You may face different health risks when traveling to Vietnam – a tropical country. Most of the risks can be reduced or prevented by getting vaccinations for Vietnam before you go and by practicing simple hygiene habits like hand washing, practicing social distancing, and taking caution with food and drink consumption.

• Cholera
  Cholera risk is minimal in Vietnam. Following basic sanitary practices like hand washing and only drinking treated water will significantly reduce your cholera risk.
• Insects
  The bite of a mosquito, flea or tick can lead to an irritating itch or swelling, but it can also lead to diseases like dengue or malaria. Try to avoid being bitten by these insects:
   

• • wear clothing that covers as much of your body as possible.
  • apply insect repellent to the parts of your skin that are exposed.
  • in several situations you should use a mosquito net.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea
  This can affect anywhere and vary from mild to very severe symptoms: nausea, vomiting, fever, and other symptoms. Prevention involves frequent hand washing, only drinking treated water, bottled or boiled water, and taking precautions with food and beverage choices. Medications can be provided in a kit to take with you for your trip to self-treat yourself for travelers’ diarrhea if required.
• Other health risks
  This is not an exhaustive list of illnesses that you may encounter in Vietnam, you may also need to receive vaccinations for diseases such as chickenpox, pneumonia, influenza, shingles, and meningitis. Your medical provider will inform you about additional these and other potential vaccinations that you may need to receive.

                                                                                                                      Source: Traveldoctor.com.au

24/7 Health & Safety Support

You’d better not worry when joining ABROADER’s program. We provide you 24/7 support to ensure your health and safety in our program locations. If you need to go to a hospital, the ABROADER Coordinator will help you with where to go and what to do. There are a lot of hospitals where the staff can speak English and are trained to take care of foreign patients that are listed here.

Moreover, we also have a unique system of local buddies and host families who are willing to help you in any time of need. Additionally, pharmacies are easily accessible, especially in big cities, and sometimes you don’t need prescriptions to get medicines. However, we suggest you seek advice only from professional doctors for any health problem you have during your time in Vietnam.

Keep in mind your health and safety abroad by careful preparation before traveling to Vietnam and stay in close contact with ABROADER staff to get support in emergencies. Follow our safety procedures and advice to have an enjoyable study abroad experience in Vietnam.