There’s something for every traveller to love in the Philippines. With pristine beaches and beautiful surf available across the country’s 7,000 islands, it’s no wonder people consider the Philippines to be one of the world’s hottest travel destinations. As part of your vacation planning, we recommend doing some research about travel health requirements and any vaccine requirements to the Philippines. ABC Travel Clinic has provided an outline of the recommended travel vaccinations for the Philippines, the routine vaccinations along with additional travel health tips.
What vaccines do Canadians need for the Philippines?
Vaccination recommendations for the Philippines apply to the following illnesses and diseases: cholera, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis A and B, polio, measles, mumps rubella (MMR), chickenpox, pneumonia, shingles, influenza and Tdap also known as tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
Read the charts below for additional details about vaccinations for travel to the Philippines1.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for the Philippines
| Vaccine Type | How the Disease is Transmitted | Recommended For: |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Unvaccinated travellers older than 12 months |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | All travellers |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Most travellers (especially for those staying or visiting smaller cities/rural areas). Typhoid Fever injection is available from 2 years of age |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquitoes | For travellers older than 9 months old coming from a country with Yellow Fever transmission risks, including layovers from at-risk countries |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | The Philippines is a high-risk country for rabies and the vaccine is advisable for everyone, including children |
| Cholera | Coming into contact with contaminated food or water sources | Children and adults who are travelling to areas with known high amounts of transmission |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquitoes | All travellers who-are moving to live in an area with Japanese Encephalitis- spending more than 1 month in areas with Japanese Encephalitis- frequently travel to areas with Japanese Encephalitis- spending less than 1 month in areas with the virus but will participate in activities that increase risk of infection including visiting rural areas, hiking,camping, or staying in areas without screens, air conditioning or bed nets |
| Malaria | Mosquito | Travellers visiting certain areas of the Philippines should take antimalarial medications and may need to take it multiple days before their trip. Talk to a travel health advisor for more information. |
Routine Vaccinations for the Philippines
| Vaccine Type | How the Disease is Transmitted | Recommended For |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Multiple pathways | Available for anyone unvaccinated and from 12 months of age as part of the routine vaccine covered by OHIP |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | All travellers without previous allergic reactions |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Travellers 50 years or older and travellers who have a history of chicken pox illness |
| Polio | Food & Water | All travellers are advised to be up to date with their immunization. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Travellers from 6 months to 65+ years old. Vaccines change each year, check with your medical professional for the latest information. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | All unvaccinated travellers or for travellers who never experienced chicken pox |
Is it safe to travel to the Philippines?
Travellers should avoid all non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago region, the southern Sulu Sea and the city of Mindanao. Tourists should travel in groups and avoid carrying non-essential valuable items. Pickpocketing and ATM fraud are common. In addition, do not accept a ride from a taxi in cases where there is already a passenger inside the vehicle.
Does the Philippines still have COVID restrictions?
There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions for residents or tourists in the Philippines.
Do you need cholera vaccine for Philippines?
Although not required, cholera vaccine is recommended for people travelling to areas of the Philippines with active cholera spread. The best advice is to avoid potentially harmful sources of water and food, as well as to frequently wash your hands while travelling.
Do I need yellow fever vaccine for the Philippines?
Ports of entry in the Philippines may require proof of vacation against yellow fever if you have travelled from or through a country with known yellow fever transmission. The certificates approved by the World Health Organization is valid for a lifetime if the traveller received a full dose of the yellow fever vaccine. Speak with your healthcare provider prior to your trip. If you do get the vaccine, ensure to receive it at least 10 days before your departing flight to the Philippines.
Is it safe to drink water in the Philippines?
It’s recommended that you avoid drinking tap water in the Philippines. Instead, stick to sealed bottles of water, boiled or properly filtered water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and pasteurised milk.
Contact Us to Learn More About Philippines Vaccine Requirements
By following our travel health tips, including staying up to date with necessary vaccines, you can protect yourself from potential health risks and have peace of mind during your time in the Philippines. Our clinic offers a range of recommended vaccines tailored specifically for this destination, taking into account the prevalent diseases and local conditions.
Remember, proactive measures such as proper vaccination, practicing good hygiene, and taking precautions specific to the Philippines will significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering any health-related issues during your travels. At ABC Travel Clinic, we strive to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about your health while exploring the wonders of the Philippines.
Trust us as your reliable partner in ensuring a healthy and memorable trip to the Philippines. Contact ABC Travel Clinic today to schedule your travel health consultation and start your vacation with confidence!
References:
1CDC. “Philippines: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/philippines.
