Despite the catastrophic flooding that occurred in October 2011, Thailand is still preferred holiday destination for visitors who are looking forward to enjoying themselves at a budget. As a tourist, there are standard vaccinations that you should have before entering the country. You will need a cover against infant diseases such as measles, mumps, tetanus and diphtheria as well as rubella. A cover for food borne diseases such as Hepatitis A and typhoid is also required. If you will be visiting the rural parts of Thailand or if you expect to stay in the country for a long period of time, you may need a cover for Rabies and Hepatitis B. Here's more about vaccinations for Thailand.
What Disease You Might Get in Thailand?
Below is a table that offers a brief description of the key health issues and vaccinations that you should consider before you visit Thailand. Be sure to consult a travel health practitioner about the vaccinations for Thailand at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance before departure. However, if this timeline has already elapsed, you should bear in mind that it is never too late to vaccinate.
|
Disease |
Explanation |
|---|---|
|
Hepatitis A |
This viral disease affects the liver and can be transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water. The vaccine preventable disease is common to visitors travelling to less-developed nations. It is highly recommended that you get the vaccine before travelling to Thailand. |
|
Hepatitis B |
Another viral disease that affects the liver and is transmitted via body fluids, blood and blood products. |
|
Typhoid |
This disease is caused by bacteria that are found in food and water. The disease is quite endemic in the developing world and vaccination is recommended for visitors travelling to areas where sanitation and personal hygiene is poor. |
|
Tetanus, Pertussis &Diphtheria |
The cause of tetanus is bacteria that get into the body through wounds. Pertussis is a respiratory infection that is highly infectious and causes over 300, 000 deaths every year. Diphtheria is a throat and at times skin infection that is also caused by bacteria. You may want to consider Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccinations alongside the tetanus one before travelling to Thailand. |
|
Measles, Mumps &Rubella |
The coverage for childhood immunization is not good in many second world countries. If you are travelling to Thailand and you are aged below the age of 40, you should have your measles, mumps and rubella immunization. If you are aged over 40, you may have immunity from your exposure as a kid. |
|
Chickenpox |
The good news is that it is now possible to prevent this common infection via immunization. There are many individuals who did not get the infection as kids but fall victim in their adulthood. When travelling, you will be at a higher risk of exposure and if you have never had the disease before, it is advisable to have a test carried out to determine your risk of infection. |
|
Influenza |
It is easy to get exposed to this illness in commuter transport and airports. In fact this is the most common disease that travelers contract despite the fact that is preventable with immunization. |
|
Malaria |
Malaria is usually transmitted by a mosquito that bites at night. The good news is that there is a low exposure risk in Thailand particularly in tourist destinations such as Bangkok, beach resorts, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. However, it is good to remember that this doesn’t mean that there is no risk of the disease in the country. This is why before travelling to the country, you should discuss with a travel medical professionals about these vaccinations for Thailand. |
|
Dengue Fever |
This viral disease has flu-like symptoms and is usually mosquitoes borne. The disease has no vaccinations. To prevent it, use insecticides, repellants and nets. |
|
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) |
Another viral and mosquito borne disease that can cause brain infection. The vaccine for the condition is recommended for individuals aged over 12 who will be spending their time in the rice growing areas or travelling to areas with an outbreak. However, the main type of defense is avoidance of insects. |
|
Rabies |
This is a deadly but rare viral infection affecting the brains. The risk of the disease can increase with travel or animal contact. |
|
Traveler’s Diarrhea |
Nearly 40 % of tourists suffer from this condition. The condition is caused by different types of germs. An oral cholera vaccine has been noted to improve the condition. |
What Vaccination Do You Need?
The above table doesn't mean that you need to take all the vaccinations for thailand trip, here is the general guideline:
All Travelers
- Routine vaccines. Ensure that you get a routine vaccine before you can go on any trip. Some of the key vaccines include MMR vaccine, measles, mumps-rubella, chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio vaccine as well the annual flu shots.
Most Travelers
- Hepatitis A. According to CDC, you will need this vaccine before you can travel to Thailand.
- Typhoid. This is recommended for all visitors particularly those who will be staying in Thailand.
Some Travelers
- Hepatitis B. The vaccination is needed for those who may have sex with a new partner.
- Japanese Encephalitis. Suitable for individuals whose trip may take more than a month.
- Malaria. Take prescription drugs, before, after and even during your trips.
- Rabies. Consider this vaccine if you will be engaging in outdoor activities, working or coming into contact with animals or you will be travelling to rural Thailand. It is also suitable for kids as they love playing with animals.
- Yellow Fever. While there is no risk of yellow fever in Thailand, you will be required to have this vaccine if you are traveling from a country with a high risk of the disease.