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Southeast Asia

🇻🇳 Vaccines for Vietnam

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Vietnam

Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended. Malaria risk in rural and border areas — major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and coastal resorts are low risk. Japanese Encephalitis worth discussing for extended rural travel. Rabies present. 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 — common risk for travellers.
💉 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, especially street food.
💉 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 areas especially Red River and Mekong deltas during monsoon.
💉 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
Dog and animal 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 (southern and central highlands border areas — not Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi)
  • ⚠Dengue (endemic)
  • ⚠Japanese Encephalitis (rural/delta areas)
  • ⚠Avian Influenza (rare)
Notes: Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended. No malaria risk in major cities or coastal tourist areas. Malaria prophylaxis only for rural highland/border areas. Japanese Encephalitis for extended rural travel.
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
ThailandCambodiaLaosPhilippines
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Rabies requires 3 doses over 5 weeks. Japanese Encephalitis is 2 doses over 4 weeks — only necessary for rural travel. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure. Malaria tablets need to start before travel if you're visiting risk areas.

Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Vietnam?
No vaccines are required for entry to Vietnam. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies. Japanese Encephalitis is worth discussing if you'll be in rural areas for extended periods. Dengue is present throughout Vietnam including cities — no vaccine is widely available for most travellers.
Is there malaria in Vietnam?
Malaria risk in Vietnam is low in the major tourist destinations — Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and most coastal resorts are low risk. Risk exists in rural and forested areas, particularly near the borders with Cambodia and Laos. Discuss your itinerary with a travel clinic if you're going off the main tourist trail.
Is Rabies a risk in Vietnam?
Yes. Rabies is present in Vietnam, particularly in rural areas. Dog bites are the most common source of exposure. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for stays longer than a month, remote travel, or any trip where access to medical care may be limited. Post-exposure treatment is available in major cities but less reliable in rural areas.
Is the food safe in Vietnam?
Vietnamese street food is famous and mostly fine, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid are real risks from contaminated food and water. Vaccination against both is strongly recommended. Stick to freshly cooked hot food, avoid raw salads in questionable establishments, and use bottled water including for brushing teeth in rural areas.

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.