Travel Vaccinations for Thailand: Your Essential Guide
Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma. Thailand is known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha, a revered symbol. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises next to quiet canal and riverside communities. Commercial hubs such as Chinatown consist of labyrinthine alleys crammed with shop houses, markets and diners.
** A vaccination certificate is required for entry for travellers over 9 months of age coming from countries with risk of YF.
Recommended Vaccines for Thailand
1. Routine Vaccinations
Ensure you’re up-to-date with routine vaccines, including:
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
- Influenza
2. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is common throughout Thailand and spreads through contaminated food, water or ice. Risk is higher in areas with poor sanitation and when eating street food, raw or undercooked food, or food from places with uncertain hygiene.
3. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through blood and body fluids. Risk can come from medical or dental procedures, sexual contact, or tattoos and piercings. Vaccination is especially important for long-term travellers or anyone who may need medical or dental care while abroad.
4. Malaria
Malaria is present in some parts of Thailand, particularly in certain rural and border areas. It is spread by mosquito bites. Depending on your itinerary, preventive medication and strict mosquito-bite protection may be recommended, so check this with a travel health professional.
5. Polio
While Thailand is low risk, unvaccinated travellers may still be exposed, especially when visiting areas with poor sanitation or travelling through regions where polio cases occur. A booster is recommended if your vaccination history is incomplete, uncertain, or if you’re travelling long-term or to rural areas.
6. Rabies
Rabies occurs in Thailand, especially in rural areas, and is spread through bites or scratches from animals such as dogs, bats and monkeys. Vaccination can be important because access to prompt medical care and rabies treatment may be limited in some areas.
7. Typhoid
Typhoid is spread through food and water contaminated with infected human waste. Risk exists throughout Thailand and is higher outside major cities, or when eating from street vendors and small local stalls where hygiene may be uncertain.
8. Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is not present in Thailand, and vaccination is not routinely required for travellers coming directly from Australia or most non-affected countries. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country where yellow fever is found (such as parts of Africa or South America). Check your recent travel history and official entry requirements before departure to ensure you have the correct documentation.