Travelling to Vietnam is an exciting experience, but it can also be risky. There are some important vaccines you should get before travelling to Vietnam. These include tetanus and diphtheria vaccines, Japanese encephalitis vaccine, typhoid vaccine and pneumonia vaccine or flu jab. Keep reading to find out more about travelling to Vietnam for vaccines in Exeter.

What vaccines do I need when travelling to Vietnam?

Diphtheria and Tetanus vaccines

Tetanus and diphtheria are serious, life-threatening diseases that can be prevented with vaccines. Tetanus and diphtheria are serious diseases caused by bacteria entering the body through a wound or skin sore. They cause muscle spasms, fever, and sore throat and can be fatal within 24 hours if left untreated. Both vaccines are recommended for travellers to Vietnam who haven’t completed their vaccine series. Adults over 27 need a Tetanus Vaccine Booster (Tdap), while those under aged 7 need a Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis vaccine (DTaP).

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne disease that can be found in Southeast Asia. It’s also known as “West Nile virus” and causes severe symptoms, such as fever and headache, but it doesn’t typically kill people. The vaccine is given in three doses over a month and will protect you from getting the disease for at least five years (the length of time it takes for your body to build immunity). The first dose should be given on day 0 (the day after travel), then again on day 28 and finally on day 56 of your trip. This way you’ll have enough time for your body to build up antibodies against Japanese encephalitis before leaving Vietnam or travelling elsewhere in Southeast Asia where there’s still a risk of infection.

Typhoid Vaccine

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that causes symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness and stomach pain. It’s spread through food or water that has been contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. The best way to prevent typhoid is by getting vaccinated before travelling to Vietnam.

Pneumonia Vaccine or Flu jab

If you are travelling to Vietnam, it is recommended that you take a vaccination for the influenza strain. The vaccine for pneumococcal bacteria is recommended for people over 65 and those with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. PCV13 protects against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria, which pose a threat to those with weakened immune systems. It’s crucial for those travelling to remote areas of Vietnam with poor sanitation. So make sure to get your PCV13 before travelling.

Do I need the yellow fever vaccine for Vietnam?

The requirement for yellow fever vaccination for travel to Vietnam depends on your country of origin and your travel itinerary. Some countries, including many African and South American nations, have a high risk of yellow fever transmission and travellers to these countries may be required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Vietnam. It is best to check with the Vietnamese embassy or the Fit For Travel website for the most up-to-date information on yellow fever vaccination requirements for Vietnam. It is also a good idea to check with your healthcare provider to determine if the yellow fever vaccination is recommended based on your individual health status and travel plans. Note that yellow fever vaccination is an important measure to protect against yellow fever, a serious and potentially fatal disease. The vaccine is recommended for travel to areas where yellow fever is present.

Has Vietnam re-opened to tourists following Covid?

Vietnam has fully reopened to tourists following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the country’s entry requirements and restrictions may change frequently due to the evolving situation with the pandemic. It is recommended to check the official website of the Vietnamese government or the Fit For Travel website for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and restrictions for tourists, as well as any other relevant information related to travel to Vietnam during the pandemic. Additionally, it is a good idea to check with your airline or travel provider for information on any restrictions or requirements that may impact your travel plans, and to consult with your healthcare provider for the latest advice on travel during the pandemic.

Where can I get my vaccines before travelling to Vietnam from Exeter?

Visit or book your appointment with Luxtons Pharmacy today to get your Vietnam vaccines before travelling from Exeter.

 

This blog post was written on behalf of Luxtons Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.