Vaccinations for Thailand

Vaccinations 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

Because of Thailand's unique geographical location and climate, it is strongly recommended that all tourists consult their physicians or travel health clinics at least six to twelve weeks before departure.  There are a host of vaccinations and immunizations that you might want to receive in order to ensure that your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible.   

Below is a brief list of immunizations that you should research before taking your medical vacation.  Not all of them are absolutely necessary, so be sure to ask your physician for recommendations. 
 

Hepatitis A

You should receive this at least two weeks prior to your trip. 

Typhoid

Make sure that you have this covered at least 10 days prior to your trip; especially if you plan to eat outside of restaurants and major hotels.  

Yellow Fever

If you're arriving from a yellow fever-infected area (certain countries in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa), you should receive this vaccination at least 10 days before departure. 

Japanese Encephalitis

If you plan to travel to rural places in Thailand (for a month or more), make sure you receive this vaccination at least 30 days prior to departure. 

Hepatitis B

This is strongly recommended for any travelers will have intimate contact with local residents for more than six months.  Secure this vaccination at least 60 days prior to departure. 

Rabies

This is recommended for travelers who may have direct contact with animals. 

Tetanus-Diphtheria

Revaccination is recommended every 10 years.  It is best to secure this at least 60 to 90 days before departure. 

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

All travelers born after 1956 are advised to receive two doses of this vaccination if they have not done so already. 

Tuberculosis

Vaccination is sometimes recommended for those who suffer from asthma, heart disease, or other circulatory illnesses.  Try receiving this vaccination at least 10 to 12 weeks before departure. 

Malaria

This is only recommended for travelers who will visit world areas.  Malaria is not a serious problem in most of the tourist destinations and major cities. 

Traveler's Diarrhea

This is probably the most common travel-related illness.  Exposure to new foods and different types of drinking water can sometimes shock the system.  In most cases, over-the-counter drugs like Imodium can take care of loose stools.  For more extreme cases, you might want to take levofloxacin or rifaximin. 

Avian Flu

Click here to read more about Avian flu (H5N1) concerns.