Vaccinations for Vietnam: what's required and what's recommended
No vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam — nobody checks a certificate. The US CDC and UK TravelHealthPro recommend hepatitis A and typhoid for most travellers, and rabies and Japanese encephalitis for longer stays. See a health professional 4–6 weeks before you travel.
No vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam: no vaccination certificate is checked at the border or the airport. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK's TravelHealthPro recommend hepatitis A and typhoid for most travellers, and rabies and Japanese encephalitis for longer stays. There's no routine jab for dengue or malaria — the protection is avoiding mosquito bites. Decisions on vaccines are for a health professional; book an appointment 4–6 weeks before you go. How to avoid bites — mosquitoes in Vietnam.
| Vaccine | Recommended for | Who recommends it |
|---|---|---|
| Routine (tetanus, measles, etc.) | everyone not up to date | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
| Hepatitis A | all unvaccinated travellers | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
| Typhoid | most travellers | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
| Hepatitis B | CDC: all unvaccinated; TravelHealthPro: those at increased risk | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
| Rabies | stays over a month, animal contact, far from medical care | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
| Japanese encephalitis | stays of a month or more, rural areas | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
| Yellow fever | not needed; no certificate required | CDC and TravelHealthPro |
Are any vaccinations required to enter Vietnam?
No. According to CDC and TravelHealthPro, there are no vaccination or certificate requirements for entering Vietnam. If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, check the current rules with the Vietnamese embassy before you fly. Everything below is advice, not a requirement.
Which vaccinations are recommended for Vietnam?
Both bodies advise checking routine vaccines (tetanus, measles) and getting hepatitis A — for everyone unvaccinated — and typhoid — for most travellers. Both spread through food and water, so they matter even on a beach holiday. For hepatitis B, CDC recommends it for all unvaccinated travellers; TravelHealthPro for those at increased risk.
Do you need a rabies vaccine for Vietnam?
CDC and TravelHealthPro advise pre-travel rabies vaccination for stays of more than a month, frequent animal contact or limited access to medical care. CDC notes that rabid dogs are found in Vietnam. If a dog, cat or monkey bites or scratches you, go straight to a hospital — see hospitals in Nha Trang and emergency numbers in Vietnam.
Do you need a Japanese encephalitis vaccine?
Usually not for a short city holiday. CDC and TravelHealthPro suggest discussing it with a doctor if you're staying a month or more or spending a lot of time in rural areas — relevant for people wintering in Vietnam. See wintering in Vietnam.
How do you protect yourself from dengue?
Dengue is a year-round risk in Vietnam, spread by day-biting mosquitoes. The main protection, per CDC and TravelHealthPro, is repellent, covering up and mosquito nets. TravelHealthPro says dengue vaccination can be considered from age 4 for people who've had dengue before — the decision rests with a health professional. If you get a high fever after the trip, tell your doctor you've been to Vietnam.
Is there malaria in Nha Trang and other cities?
Not in the big cities. CDC names Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong and Quy Nhon as no-risk; TravelHealthPro says there's no risk in large cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There is a risk in rural and forested areas, including the southern highlands. Whether you need tablets for trips beyond the cities is for a doctor to decide based on your route.
When should you see a doctor before the trip?
CDC says at least a month before travel; TravelHealthPro says four to six weeks. Some vaccines need several doses, so earlier is better. Sort out medical cover too — see travel insurance for Vietnam.
FAQ
Do I need vaccinations for Vietnam? None are required; CDC and TravelHealthPro recommend hepatitis A and typhoid.
Do I need a vaccination certificate for Vietnam? No.
Is there malaria in Nha Trang? Not in Nha Trang, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City; there is a risk in rural and forested areas.
How early should I get vaccinated? See a health professional 4–6 weeks before travel.