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Southeast Asia

🇵🇭 Vaccines for Philippines

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Philippines

Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Malaria risk in rural areas of certain islands — Palawan has higher risk in rural parts, while Manila and Cebu are low risk. Japanese Encephalitis worth considering for rural travel. Rabies is a significant risk given the large dog population. No vaccines required for entry.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry

No vaccines required for entry to this destination.

Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available — ask your clinic.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis
Risk in rural agricultural areas — not Manila.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 7 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 2nd dose (28 days after the 1st).
🛡 Protects for: Booster after 1 year if ongoing exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Philippines has high rabies burden — dog bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (Palawan island, Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao rural areas — not Manila or Cebu)
  • ⚠Dengue (endemic — high burden)
  • ⚠Japanese Encephalitis (rural)
  • ⚠Cholera (periodic)
Notes: Rabies vaccination strongly recommended. No malaria in Manila, Cebu, Boracay. Malaria prophylaxis for Palawan and Sulu Archipelago. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
—
None required for entry
Recommended vaccines
~€975
(~$1063)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses)€264 ($288)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
ThailandVietnamIndonesiaCambodia
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Rabies is the priority — 3 doses over 5 weeks. Japanese Encephalitis is 2 doses over 4 weeks if relevant. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done closer to departure. If visiting Palawan for malaria risk areas, antimalarial timing matters.

Common questions
Do I need Rabies vaccine for the Philippines?
Pre-exposure Rabies vaccination is strongly recommended for the Philippines. The country has a high rate of rabies, predominantly from dog bites. Without pre-exposure vaccination, a bite requires urgent immunoglobulin treatment which is expensive, not always available outside Manila, and must be started quickly.
Is there malaria in the Philippines?
Malaria risk in the Philippines is mainly in rural areas of specific islands — particularly Palawan, and parts of Mindanao and some smaller islands. Manila, Cebu, Boracay, and most popular tourist destinations are low risk. If visiting rural Palawan, antimalarials are recommended.
Do I need vaccines for Manila?
No vaccines are required for Manila. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended. Dengue is endemic in Manila and across the Philippines — mosquito protection is important. Japanese Encephalitis risk is low in urban areas.
Is dengue a risk in the Philippines?
Yes. Dengue is endemic across the Philippines including urban areas. There is no widely available vaccine for most travellers. Prevention relies on DEET-based repellent, covering up during peak mosquito hours (early morning and late afternoon), and avoiding standing water near accommodation.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.