Destination guide
Travel vaccines for Vietnam
From Hanoi and Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta, here's what UK travellers are usually advised before visiting Vietnam — confirmed for you at a quick consultation.
Overview
What vaccinations do I need for Vietnam?
Vietnam is a favourite on the South East Asia trail, and most trips call for a few travel vaccinations on top of your routine UK immunisations. What you need depends on where you're going, how long for and the time of year.
The recommendations below are a general guide based on UK travel health advice. We'll confirm exactly what you need — and whether malaria tablets are advised for your route — at a short consultation.
Plan ahead
Book 4–6 weeks before you fly
Some vaccines need more than one dose or time to take effect, so aim to come in 4–6 weeks before departure. Travelling sooner? Come in anyway — there's almost always something we can do.
Recommended vaccinations
Vaccines commonly advised for Vietnam
Grouped by how often they're recommended. Your personal list is confirmed at consultation. Vaccine guidance is based on public health information from TravelHealthPro (UKHSA/NaTHNaC).
Hepatitis A
Most travellers
Spread through contaminated food and water — advised for most trips to Vietnam.
Typhoid
Most travellers
Recommended for most travellers, especially outside main resorts.
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
Most travellers
A combined booster is recommended if you're not up to date.
Hepatitis B
Some travellers
Advised for longer stays, healthcare work, or possible medical/dental treatment.
Rabies
Some travellers
Worth considering — rabies is present and dog bites are common.
Japanese Encephalitis
Some travellers
For longer rural or rice-field stays, particularly in the wet season.
Malaria & mosquitoes
Malaria and dengue in Vietnam
Malaria risk in Vietnam is low and mostly limited to rural and forested areas, particularly in the south and central highlands — tablets are usually only advised for specific routes. Dengue occurs across the country, including cities, so mosquito-bite protection matters everywhere.
- We'll advise whether antimalarial tablets are needed for your itinerary
- Use insect repellent, cover up at dawn and dusk, and use nets where needed
- Cities and main tourist areas are generally low or no malaria risk
FAQ
Vietnam travel vaccines — FAQs
Vietnam doesn't require proof of vaccination for entry for most UK travellers. A Yellow Fever certificate is only needed if you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. The vaccines we recommend are to protect your health.
For most popular trips — Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City — tablets aren't usually needed. They may be advised for rural and forested areas. We'll check your route and advise.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid are advised for most travellers, plus keeping Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio up to date. Rabies, Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis are added depending on your plans.
Ideally 4–6 weeks before travel, as some courses need more than one dose. We can still help at shorter notice.
Getting ready for Vietnam?
Book a quick consultation at our Timperley clinic near Manchester and we'll get your vaccinations and malaria advice sorted for your trip.