The travel medicine specialists at ABC Travel Clinic have answered some of your most frequently asked questions for those travelers looking to visit Vietnam. Everything from Vietnam vaccine requirements, to travel safety and more. We are here to provide you with all the information you need to stay well-protected and safe for your upcoming trip to Vietnam.
What Vaccines do Canadians Need for Vietnam?
There are several recommended or required vaccines for Vietnam that Canadians need prior to entering the country. See the tables below for more information1:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Vietnam:
| Vaccine For | How the Disease Spreads | Recommended For |
| 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 |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | For most travellers (especially for those staying or visiting smaller cities/rural areas) available to all travellers 2 years and older. |
| Malaria | Mosquito | Travellers visiting certain areas of Vietnam should take prescription medicine and may need to take it multiple days before their trip. Talk to a travel health advisor for more information. |
Routine Vaccinations for Vietnam:
| Vaccine For | How the Disease Spreads | Recommended For |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | 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 Vietnam?
Absolutely! Vietnam is considered a safe country for tourists. Vietnam is a wonderful destination that offers a wealth of scenic, cultural, and culinary experiences. Nonetheless, it is always important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when traveling in Vietnam such as staying alert to changing weather conditions, bringing a basic first aid kit, sunscreen and bug spray, swim in only designated swimming areas, dress accordingly, eat food that is served hot and cooked, avoid food from street vendors, and more. Petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, and scams, particularly when entering motorcycle taxis, are common and do occur, so be careful and aware of your surroundings. It is not recommended to travel alone after dark.
Does Vietnam Still Have COVID Restrictions?
No, there are no Vietnam COVID vaccine requirements or restrictions. Vietnam’s borders are open to all foreign travellers and quarantining is not required upon arrival. Though COVID tests are not a requirement when traveling to Vietnam, arrivals who are showing symptoms may be asked to get tested.
Do You Need Malaria Pills for Vietnam?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that travelers visiting certain areas in Vietnam bring prescription pills to prevent malaria. This serious, and potentially fatal disease is a risk in some parts of Vietnam. If you are going to an area that is considered to be at risk, make sure to bring enough Malaria pills before you leave, and take enough medicine to last the entire length of your trip. Also, depending on the medicine, you may need to begin taking the pills multiple days prior to your trip, as well as after returning home too. To be safe, consult with your doctor about which malaria medication you should take and the instructions to follow before, during, and after your trip.
Do I Need Yellow Fever Vaccine for Vietnam?
Although there is no yellow fever in the country, all travellers to Vietnam from yellow fever-risk countries must show proof of vaccination for yellow fever with a valid yellow fever certificate. The same rule applies to people who have come to Vietnam by way of a yellow fever-risk country. 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. It must be signed at an approved vaccination centre at least 10 days before your trip to Vietnam. Failing to hand over a valid certificate could lead to refusal of entry or quarantine.
Is it Safe to Drink Water in Vietnam?
In general, it is not considered safe to drink tap water in Vietnam, especially for foreigners or those travelling who are not used to the local water supply. In Vietnam, the safety of tap water varies widely, depending on the source and treatment. Many locals, particularly in rural areas, still face challenges finding access to clean and safe drinking water. Households may rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes or may drink tap water, but only after boiling it or using water filtration systems to remove impurities.
Contact Us to Learn More About Vietnam 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 Vietnam. 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam.
Trust us as your reliable partner in ensuring a healthy and memorable trip to Vietnam. Contact ABC Travel Clinic today to schedule your travel health consultation and start your vacation with confidence!
References:
1CDC. “Vietnam: Traveler’s Health.” CDC Travelers’ Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam/.
