Travel Vaccines for Vietnam
Everything you need to stay healthy exploring Vietnam — from Ha Long Bay cruises to bustling Ho Chi Minh City streets and the ancient charm of Hanoi. Over 150,000 Canadians visit Vietnam each year.
Verified by CDC · Updated February 2025
What Vaccines Do You Need for Vietnam?
Based on current CDC guidelines. Your specific needs depend on your itinerary, health history, and planned activities.
Hepatitis A
Strongly RecommendedProtects against contaminated food and water — essential for all travelers to Vietnam. Whether you're enjoying pho in Hanoi or street food in Ho Chi Minh City, this vaccine is a must. One dose protects your trip; a booster provides lifetime immunity.
Typhoid
Strongly RecommendedBacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. Highly recommended for Vietnam given the popularity of street food and local markets. Available as injection or oral capsules.
Hepatitis B
RecommendedSpread through blood and bodily fluids. Vietnam has higher Hepatitis B prevalence than Canada. Recommended for travelers under 60, those who might need medical care abroad, or anyone staying 6+ months.
Japanese Encephalitis
RecommendedMosquito-borne virus that can cause brain inflammation. Recommended for travelers spending extended time (1+ month) in rural areas, visiting during transmission season, or staying overnight in rice-farming regions.
Rabies
RecommendedVietnam has significant rabies risk from dogs and other mammals. Strongly consider if exploring rural areas, cycling, or spending extended time where medical care is limited. Pre-exposure vaccination buys critical time if bitten.
Cholera (Dukoral)
RecommendedOral vaccine that also protects against traveler's diarrhea. Consider for humanitarian workers, those visiting areas with active outbreaks, or travelers with limited access to safe food and water.
Routine Vaccines (Tdap, MMR, Polio)
RecommendedEnsure your routine vaccines are up to date. Many Canadians are overdue for their Tdap booster. We'll check your records during your consultation.
COVID-19
RecommendedUpdated boosters recommended. Check current Vietnam entry requirements before travel — requirements may change.
We stock all these vaccines. Book a free consultation and we'll create your personalized protection plan — usually completed in a single visit.
What to Watch Out For
These are the most common health concerns for travelers to Vietnam. Most are preventable with proper precautions.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Very common in Vietnam — affects up to 50% of visitors. Usually from contaminated food or water, including ice. Street food is delicious but carries higher risk.
Dukoral vaccine + careful food choicesDengue Fever
Widespread throughout Vietnam, especially in southern regions during rainy season (May-November). Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and joint pain. No vaccine available for travelers.
DEET 20%+ repellent, long sleevesZika Virus
Mosquito-borne virus with serious risks for pregnant women. Can cause birth defects. Present in Vietnam with ongoing transmission.
Avoid if pregnant; strict mosquito preventionJapanese Encephalitis
Mosquito-borne virus found in rural agricultural areas. Most infections are mild, but severe cases can cause permanent brain damage. Higher risk during rainy season.
Vaccination + mosquito bite preventionRabies
Vietnam has thousands of rabies cases annually. Stray dogs are common in cities and rural areas. Bites, scratches, or licks on broken skin can transmit the virus.
Pre-exposure vaccine; avoid stray animalsTraffic Accidents
The #1 cause of death for travelers in Vietnam. Motorbike accidents are extremely common. Traffic rules are loosely followed, and medical care may be limited outside major cities.
Wear helmets; consider avoiding motorbikesMalaria Risk in Vietnam
Low/Regional RiskGood news for most travelers: Major tourist destinations in Vietnam have NO malaria risk, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Nha Trang, and the Red River Delta.
Risk Areas
Risk areas: Rural highland areas, especially near borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China. Provinces with risk include parts of Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Binh Phuoc, and border regions. NO RISK in major cities, coastal resort areas, or the Mekong Delta.
Recommended Prevention
If visiting risk areas: Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) or Doxycycline recommended due to drug resistance. P. falciparum and P. vivax are both present. We'll advise based on your specific itinerary.
Essential Health Tips
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or boiled water
- Avoid ice from unknown sources
- Street food is safer when cooked fresh and hot
- Choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Peel fruits yourself; avoid pre-cut fruit
Bug Bite Prevention
- Use DEET 20%+ or Picaridin repellent
- Apply repellent to exposed skin AND clothing
- Wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk
- Sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms
- Consider permethrin-treated clothing for rural areas
Road Safety
- Always wear a proper helmet on motorbikes
- Consider using Grab instead of self-driving
- Cross streets slowly and predictably
- Avoid night driving on rural roads
- Ensure travel insurance covers motorbike accidents
Common Questions About Traveling to Vietnam
Street food is a highlight of Vietnam travel, but it does carry some risk. To minimize problems: choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh, watch for proper food handling, ensure meat is thoroughly cooked, and stick to bottled drinks. Getting your Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines beforehand provides important protection, so you can enjoy the cuisine with peace of mind.
No — Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, and other major tourist destinations have no malaria risk. You only need antimalarials if trekking in remote highland areas or visiting border regions with Cambodia, Laos, or China. We'll review your specific itinerary during your consultation.
It depends on your itinerary. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is recommended if you're spending extended time (1+ month) in rural areas, staying overnight in agricultural regions, or traveling during monsoon season (May-October). It's generally not needed for short trips staying in cities. We'll assess your specific plans during consultation.
Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of injury and death for travelers in Vietnam. Traffic is chaotic, rules are loosely followed, and medical care outside major cities is limited. If you do ride, always wear a proper helmet, have valid insurance that covers motorbike accidents, and consider your experience level carefully. Many travelers opt for Grab rides instead.
Ideally 4-6 weeks before travel. Japanese Encephalitis vaccine requires 2 doses given 28 days apart. However, don't skip your appointment if you're leaving sooner — Hepatitis A provides protection within 2 weeks, and we can still help with other vaccines and health advice even at the last minute.
We recommend: DEET insect repellent (20%+), oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium), pain relievers, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen, and any prescription medications with extra supply. Consider a basic first aid kit if visiting remote areas. We'll provide a complete checklist during your consultation.
Get Protected Before Your Vietnam Trip
Free consultation — we'll review your itinerary, recommend vaccines, and get you protected. Most patients complete everything in one visit.
Vietnam Travel Consultation
Free — No Consultation FeeComplete itinerary review, all recommended vaccines, and personalized health advice for your Vietnam trip. You only pay for vaccines administered.