A trip to Southeast Asia is an experience you’re sure never to forget. You’ll bring back so many memories and souvenirs, but you won’t want to bring back something contagious. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides a list of recommended vaccines for Southeast Asia Travel. The CDC releases regular updates on travel health notices and puts together recommendations for pre-trip vaccinations. That way, you can take the necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe during your travels.
If you’re looking for the basics on recommended vaccines for Southeast Asia travel, you’ve come to the right place. However, if you like the nitty gritty details, links from medical experts throughout this article will provide more in-depth information that could help you learn more about a disease, a vaccination, or when to get vaccinated before traveling.
Discloser: You are the one who decides what health precautions to take before traveling to Southeast Asia–or anywhere in the world. These are what the CDC recommends, but there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. You might have special health needs or concerns that affect the general recommendations. We advocate for you to talk with your doctor to find a solution that works for you and your family.
Quick List of Recommended Travel Vaccines for Southeast Asian Countries*
(*listed from the CDC website; prone to change)
Brunei (Brunei Darussalam)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Cambodia
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Indonesia
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Laos
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
Malaysia
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Myanmar (Burma)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Philippines
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
Singapore
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Thailand
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Cholera, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
Vietnam
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
4 Common Vaccines for Southeast Asia Trips
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects your liver and often gets transmitted by contaminated water or food. Travelers going to developing countries commonly catch this disease. Yet Hepatitis A is preventable with its vaccination. There are three basic types of hepatitis A vaccinations:
1) the monovalent vaccine, which only protects against hep A
2) the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine
3) the combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine
Each vaccine comes in two or three doses, and medical experts recommend getting the first dose two weeks before your trip. If you can’t schedule that far in advance, you can still get vaccinated the day before your departure. Then, medical experts recommend getting the second dose at least six months or longer after the first dose. However, we’re not going into details about the timing and scheduling of the Hep A vaccinations, so please talk to your doctor about it.
Basic precautions include practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water. Only drink clean, bottled water (this includes water for brushing your teeth!).
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a virus spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The symptoms are usually mild, yet about 1 in 4 cases are fatal. Additionally, treatment is only supportive. This means if you get this virus, there is not a lot that can be done. However, travelers to SE Asia can protect themselves by getting the vaccination.
The vaccination is recommended for travelers who plan to travel during the Summer or Fall (when mosquitoes are most prevalent), spend months or more in at-risk areas, or do outdoor activities (ie., hiking or camping) that could increase their chances of getting sick.
Basic precautions include anything you might do to protect yourself against mosquito bites: wearing bug repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, etc.
Malaria
Malaria is a very serious disease that resembles the flu, but it can lead to severe illness and even death if left untreated. Even though you can’t actually vaccinate against it, you can take a prescription malaria medication to proactively protect against it. There are various different types of antimalarial drugs available. Consult your doctor to find out which one is suitable for you.
Other basic precautions include anything you might do to protect yourself against mosquito bites: wearing bug repellent, sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, etc.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that causes a high fever and a slew of other flu-like symptoms (diarrhea, weakness, stomach pain, etc.). People who enjoy eating the local cuisine might have a higher risk of catching typhoid fever because they might not take the necessary precautions to prevent sickness. Although typhoid is found worldwide, it is most common in developing nations with poor hygiene or sanitation systems.
There are two types of typhoid vaccines:
1) Typhim Vi – a single injection by a healthcare professional
2) Vivotif – a protocol of self-administered oral medication
For maximum protection, it’s recommended to get the injection at least two weeks before departure or complete the oral medication at least a week before you travel. We should also note that these vaccinations only provide partial protection (50-80% effectiveness); you should still take other precautions.
Basic precautions include washing your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your mouth. Choose foods that are throughout cooked, washed, or peeled. Only drink bottled water. Avoid ice in your drinks since it could have come from contaminated water.
Now that you know what travel vaccines for Southeast Asia you might need to schedule, we recommend getting travel insurance. In case you do get sick or need medical help on your travels, you can have peace of mind while on your next adventure.
Additionally, as your departure date draws near, check out these tips for international travel, and don’t forget these essential items for your trip to Southeast Asia!
Skylar, a seasoned content writer with over seven years of experience, possesses a deep understanding of the travel and travel insurance industries. Her commitment to authenticity infuses her work with a unique perspective, drawing from three years of dedicated writing in the travel and travel insurance sectors. Skylar's expertise is further enriched by her proactive approach to seeking insights from industry professionals, ensuring that her findings are comprehensive and reliable.
