Planning a trip to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, or anywhere in Southeast Asia? You're heading to one of the most popular travel regions for Canadians — and one that carries real health risks most travelers don't think about until it's too late.
At Imagine Health Pharmacy in Sundance, South Calgary, we see dozens of families and solo travelers every month preparing for Southeast Asia. Here's what you need to know.
Recommended Vaccines for Southeast Asia
Hepatitis A — This is non-negotiable for Southeast Asia. Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and it's common even in tourist areas of Thailand, Vietnam, and Bali. One dose protects you for your trip; a booster at 6–12 months gives lifetime protection.
Typhoid — Another food and waterborne illness that's widespread across the region. Available as a single injection or an oral vaccine (Vivotif). Especially important if you're eating street food — which you absolutely should, but safely.
Hepatitis B — Recommended for longer stays or if there's any chance you might need medical care while abroad. Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.
Japanese Encephalitis — This one surprises people. It's a mosquito-borne virus found in rural areas of Southeast Asia, especially during and after monsoon season. If you're visiting rice paddies, rural villages, or spending extended time outdoors, this vaccine is recommended.
Rabies (Pre-Exposure) — Stray dogs are common across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Monkeys in temple areas (especially Bali and Ubud) can also carry rabies. If you're bitten in a remote area, access to post-exposure treatment may be limited. Pre-exposure vaccination buys you critical time.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria risk varies across Southeast Asia. Urban areas like Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City are generally low risk. But if you're visiting rural provinces, border regions, or islands in Cambodia, Myanmar, or Indonesia, antimalarial medication is recommended.
The most commonly prescribed option is Malarone (Atovaquone-Proguanil) — taken daily with minimal side effects. We'll assess your specific itinerary and prescribe the right medication.
Dengue Fever and Mosquito Protection
There is no vaccine for dengue fever widely available in Canada. Your best defense is mosquito bite prevention: DEET-based repellent (at least 20%), long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and staying in accommodations with screens or air conditioning.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Let's be honest — traveler's diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers to Southeast Asia. Up to 50% of visitors experience it. We can prescribe Dukoral (oral cholera vaccine that also provides protection against the most common bacterial cause of TD) and provide a standby antibiotic kit for your trip.
Book Your Travel Consultation
Every trip is different. A backpacking trip through rural Cambodia has very different health risks than a resort stay in Phuket. Book a travel health consultation at Imagine Health Pharmacy and we'll build a protection plan tailored to your exact itinerary.
📍 #4120 – 15 Sunpark Plaza SE, Calgary, AB T2X 0M5
📞 (403) 910-3990
🌐 Learn more about our Travel Health Clinic
Southeast Asia Destination Guides
Get destination-specific vaccine checklists and health advice for each country:
- Thailand Travel Vaccines — Malaria prophylaxis, typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, rabies
- Vietnam Travel Vaccines — Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis
- Cambodia Travel Vaccines — Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, rabies
- Indonesia Travel Vaccines — Malaria (Bali lower risk), typhoid, hepatitis A, rabies
- Philippines Travel Vaccines — Malaria (rural areas), typhoid, hepatitis A, rabies
- Malaysia Travel Vaccines — Typhoid, hepatitis A, malaria (rural Borneo)
- Myanmar Travel Vaccines — Malaria, typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis
