Vaccinations Thailand: what you need to know for a safe trip

Planning to travel to Thailand? Whether you are backpacking through the beautiful countryside, exploring the bustling capital Bangkok or relaxing at a resort in the south, proper preparation is essential. Vaccinations Thailand are an important step to enjoying your trip worry-free. Thailand is a popular destination for a reason: there is something for everyone. On this page, you will find a complete overview of which vaccinations Thailand you need. We explain which vaccinations are mandatory, recommended or optional for your specific trip. Because every trip and every traveller is different.

Vaccination advice for Thailand: overview

Compulsory vaccinations Thailand

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Thailand, unless you come from a yellow fever risk area. In that case, you must be able to show valid proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Recommended vaccinations Thailand

The following vaccinations are strongly recommended for all travellers to Thailand:

• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio): This basic vaccination protects against three serious diseases. Check that your refresher injection is still up-to-date (maximum 10 years ago).
• Hepatitis A: This liver infection is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Hygiene conditions in parts of Thailand increase this risk.
• Rabies (rabies): Thailand has a relatively high risk of rabies, especially in rural areas. The disease is transmitted by bites or scratches from infected animals such as dogs, monkeys and bats.
• Dengue: Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Although vaccination is available, prevention through mosquito protection is crucial.
• Measles: For travellers born after 1963 who have not been vaccinated against measles twice, a vaccination or booster shot is recommended.

Optional vaccinations Thailand

Depending on your duration of travel, travel conditions and personal health, the following vaccinations may be recommended:

• Yellow Fever: Only mandatory when travelling to Thailand from a yellow fever risk area.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for long-term stays (more than 3 months), intensive contact with locals, or when you may need medical treatment.
• Tuberculosis (TB): Especially recommended for long-term stays in areas with intensive local contact.
• Japanese Encephalitis: This viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and is especially common in rural areas with rice fields. Recommended for prolonged stays in rural areas (more than 4 weeks) or travelling in the rainy season.

Is there malaria in Thailand?

Yes, malaria occurs in Thailand, but not everywhere. The risk is especially present in remote forest areas along the borders with Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. Popular tourist areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Krabi are malaria-free.

Malaria prevention in Thailand
Malaria is a serious disease that still kills tourists every year. Advice on malaria in Thailand depends on several personal and travel-related factors. When making an appointment at Vaccinatiepunt, you will receive personalised malaria advice.

This is how to prevent mosquito bites:

• Wear covering, light-coloured clothing (mosquitoes are especially active at night)
• Use mosquito repellent with DEET (30-50%)
• Sleep under a mosquito net or mosquito net
• Consider malaria pills if visiting high-risk areas

Note: There is no malaria vaccination. Besides mosquito repellents, you can protect yourself by taking malaria pills. Vaccination Point is also the right place to get malaria medication.

Important warning: Do you experience feverish symptoms during your trip? If so, contact a doctor as soon as possible (within 24 hours).

When should you get vaccinated for Thailand?

Start 6-8 weeks before departure with your vaccinations. Some vaccinations take time to build up full protection and some vaccinations require multiple shots.

Timetable per vaccination:

• DTP: at least 2 weeks before departure
• Hepatitis A: at least 2 weeks before departure
• Hepatitis B: complete series lasts 6 months (accelerated schedule possible)
• Rabies: full series lasts 3-4 weeks
• Japanese Encephalitis: full series lasts 4 weeks

Even with a last-minute trip to Thailand, it is wise to consult Vaccination Point. This is because you can also get vaccinated just before the start of your trip.

Rules of life for optimal protection in Thailand

Food safety

• Consume no tap water in Thailand
• Only drink water from sealed bottles
• Avoid ice cubes in drinks
• Eat well-done meat and fish
• Wash or peel fruit well
• Be careful with street food in areas of questionable hygiene

Sun protection

• Use high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Avoid the bright midday sun between 11am and 3pm

General health rules

• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid contact with wild animals
• Get good travel insurance that covers medical expenses
• Check whether repatriation is included for emergencies

Costs and fees

For our vaccination rates, please refer to our tariff list. You pay one consultation per person, per visit to Vaccination Point. This includes a telephone consultation for only malaria or travel medication, for example.

Vaccinations at Vaccination Point are (usually) reimbursed by your insurer. The fee depends on your policy conditions and supplementary insurance. How much is reimbursed varies from one health insurer to another.

Personal advice at Vaccination Point

Would you like to receive personalised advice to make sure you have the right vaccinations for your trip to Thailand? Then simply make an appointment online at Vaccination Point at a location close to you.

The benefits of Vaccination Point:

• Easily arrange your vaccination appointment within 1 minute
• Always a vaccination point near you - also for last-minute trips
• More than 90 locations throughout the Netherlands
• Also possible in the evenings and weekends at some locations
• No queue - get your vaccinations quickly
• LCR-registered with 20+ years of experience
• Everything easily arranged online: only visit location for vaccination

Frequently asked questions about Thailand vaccinations

What vaccinations are mandatory for Thailand?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for Thailand unless you are coming from a yellow fever risk area. However, DTP, Hepatitis A, Rabies, Dengue and Measles are strongly recommended due to hygienic conditions and disease risks in Thailand.

How long in advance should I arrange my vaccinations?
Start your vaccinations at least 6-8 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations consist of several shots and need time for full protection. Even for last-minute trips, you can still visit Vaccinatiepunt.

Do I need malaria pills for Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai?
No, popular tourist areas such as Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai are malaria-free. Malaria pills are only required when visiting remote forest areas along the borders with Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Are travel vaccinations covered by my health insurance?
Basic vaccinations such as DTP are often reimbursed. For travel vaccinations, reimbursement depends on your supplementary insurance. Vaccinatiepunt works with all major health insurers. Check your policy conditions or see our reimbursement page.

What should I do if I develop a fever during my trip?
Contact a doctor within 24 hours. Febrile symptoms may indicate malaria or other tropical diseases that require prompt treatment.

Can I also be vaccinated just before departure?
Yes, even when travelling last minute, it is wise to consult Vaccination Point. You can also get vaccinated just before the start of your trip, although some vaccinations need time for optimal protection.