Thinking about traveling to Thailand? The travel medicine specialists at ABC Travel Clinic are here to well inform all travelers with everything they need to know to stay protected on their upcoming trip to Thailand. We have answered some of your most frequently asked questions about Thailand vaccines and the most effective health and safety procedures to best prepare you to travel safely to Thailand.
What Vaccines do Canadians Need for Thailand?
Yes, there are some vaccines either required or recommended for Vietnam. TheCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following vaccines for Vietnam:
cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), rabies, typhoid, yellow fever, chickenpox, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, shingles, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (Tdap).
See the tables below for more information about which vaccines for Thailand travel are required or recommended1.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Thailand:
| Vaccine for | How the Disease Spreads | Recommended For |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers visiting increased risk areas with active transmission. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Unvaccinated travellers older than 1 year old |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | All travellers |
| Japanese Encephalitis (JE) | Mosquito | Recommended depending on activities and itinerary. May be given to those travelling to rural areas, recurrent travellers, and short- and extended-stay travellers. JE is present throughout, especially northern regions. Highest risk of cases is from May to October |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | All travellers, especially children |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | For most travellers (especially for those staying or visiting smaller cities/rural areas) available to all travellers 2 years or older. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | For travellers older than 9 months old coming from a country with Yellow Fever transmission risks, including layovers from at-risk countries |
Routine Vaccinations for Thailand
| Vaccine For | How the Disease Spreads | Recommended For |
| Chickenpox | Saliva, respiratory droplets, direct contact of bodily fluids | All unvaccinated travellers or for travellers who never experienced chicken pox |
| Influenza | Airborne | Travellers from 6 months to 65+ years old. Vaccines change each year, check with your medical professional for the latest information. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Saliva, respiratory droplets, direct contact of bodily fluids | Available for anyone unvaccinated and from 12 months of age as part of the routine vaccine covered by OHIP |
| Polio | Food & Water | All travellers are advised to be up to date with their immunization. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Travellers 50 years or older and travellers who have a history of chicken pox illness |
| Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Tdap) | Wounds & Airborne | All travellers without previous allergic reactions |
Is it Safe to Travel to Thailand?
We advise travellers to exercise a high degree of precaution when in Thailand. There is currently an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Thailand and the possibility of civil unrest. Tourists are cautioned against travelling to Southern Thailand, specifically Narathiwat, Yala, Songkhla, and Pattani because martial law is still prevalent in these areas. In Thailand, pickpocketing is common as is sexual violence in bars and isolated areas. We advise not to use your passport as collateral as many rental places are scams.
Does Thailand Still Have COVID Restrictions?
No, Thailand does not still have any COVID restrictions prior to entering the country as well as no restrictions upon departure.
Do I Need Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for Thailand?
Though it is not a Thailand required vaccine, in general, we advise travelers to get their Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine prior to entering Thailand. This mosquito-borne illness is present in Thailand, so it is highly recommended for travelers at higher risk who are moving to live in an area with JE, are spending long periods of time, anything over a month, in areas with JE, or frequently travel to areas with JE to get the corresponding Thailand vaccine.
Consider Japanese Encephalitis vaccine if you will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, camping or hiking, or staying in places without screens, bed nets, or air conditioning, or you are going to areas with JE, but are uncertain of your activities or how long you will be there. JE vaccination is not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or are travelling to areas with no clear Japanese Encephalitis season.
Do I Need Yellow Fever Vaccine to Enter Thailand?
Though there is no active risk of Yellow Fever transmission in Thailand, the government does require all travelers who are coming from countries that have a risk of contamination to provide their Yellow Fever vaccine certificate prior upon entering Thailand. 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. Failing to hand over a valid certificate could lead to refusal of entry or quarantine.
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Thailand?
No, the tap water is not safe to drink in Thailand. Even after boiling, the nitrates, heavy metals, and other substances remain in the water, despite the existing germs or bacteria getting killed. The quality of tap water in Thailand depends on where you are in the country but in general, the water here is not purified, not filtered, and not free of mechanical impurities, thus making it unsuitable for regular drinking consumption. As a result, Thailand’s tap water is used only for showering, watering plants, cleaning, toilet flushing, and other similar uses. It is even acceptable to use the tap water to brush your teeth or to wash fruits and vegetables.
Contact Us to Learn More About Thailand 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 Thailand. 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 Thailand 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 Thailand.
Trust us as your reliable partner in ensuring a healthy and memorable trip to Thailand. Contact ABC Travel Clinic today to schedule your travel health consultation and start your vacation with confidence!
References:
1CDC. “Thailand: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/thailand.
