Travel Vaccines and Advice for Vietnam
Vietnam has become a popular tourist destination.
Visitors looking to be swept away by gorgeous landscape can see jungles, caves, grottoes and immense limestone pillars. Those looking to explore new flavors and foods will be thrilled with the cheap and delicious street food.
Even those looking to experience a new culture will be able to indulge in Vietnam’s unique blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Southern Chinese, and French influences.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Vietnam
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam?
What Is the Climate Like in Vietnam?
Is It Safe to Travel to Vietnam?
Visiting Halong Bay
What Should I Take to Vietnam?
Canadian Embassy in Vietnam
Do I Need Vaccines for Vietnam?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Vietnam. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Vietnam |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Present throughout country, especially northern regions. Most cases from May to October. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Vietnam |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection affecting the brain, prevalent in rural Asia. It can cause neurological symptoms and, in severe cases, death. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine, administered via injection, effectively prevents the virus, recommended for people living in or travelling to endemic areas.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, ensures strong immunity, reducing the risk of disease transmission and protecting both individuals and the broader population from these potentially severe illnesses.
Malaria in Vietnam
Malaria in Vietnam is limited to rural areas. Rare cases have been reported in the Mekong and Red River Deltas. Travellers to these regions may need antimalarials based on their specific travel plans.
Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Share your itinerary with a travel medicine specialist to see if there are other steps you can take to prevent malaria, including taking prescription medicine. Antimalarials are highly recommended when visiting rural areas.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination is recommended for many travellers going to Vietnam. The mosquito-borne virus is potentially deadly and poses a risk to all travellers.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Vietnam
Prevent Bug Bites in Vietnam
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using PHAC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
Food and Water Safety in Vietnam
When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travellers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Vietnam
- Avian/Bird Flu – Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a contagious virus that affects birds and can spread to humans. Preventing it involves vaccination of poultry, strict biosecurity on farms, safe handling and cooking of poultry, surveillance for outbreaks, and raising public awareness.
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a prevalent tropical parasitic disease, spreads through contact with contaminated water. To combat it, avoid infected water sources and use protective clothing.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Vietnam?
All travellers to Vietnam must have a passport and visa for entry. Passports must be valid for at least six months past a traveller’s intended departure date from the country.
Vietnam Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Vietnam? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Vietnam and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Vietnam?
There are various climate zones within Vietnam. The far north experiences a dry season from October to March and a wet season from April to September. It can get particularly cold during December and January, but is otherwise pleasant.
In north Vietnam there are four distinct seasons: winter, where temperatures are around 15.
In central Vietnam the weather is hot and dry from mid-January to late August. During the winter there is significant rainfall, occasionally typhoons, and much cooler temperatures.
In South Vietnam the temperatures are constant all year. There is a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to November.
Is It Safe to Travel to Vietnam?
Crime does occur in Vietnam and the Overseas Security Advisory Council ranks Hanoi as medium in Overall Crime and Safety Situation.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft occurs often. Travelling alone after dark is not recommended. Violent crime has been growing, mostly in urban areas.
Scams are common. Foreign travellers should be very careful, particularly when entering motorcycle taxis, as there are many fake ones.
Visiting Halong Bay
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
Halong Bay is a beautiful place in Vietnam that many tourists visit. People go there to see the amazing views of over 1,600 islands and take pretty pictures. Tourists can ride on different types of boats, like wooden ones or fancy ones, to explore the islands and caves. They can also go kayaking to get close to the cliffs or explore caves.
Some of the islands in Halong Bay have beaches where people can swim, sunbathe and relax. Halong Bay has many caves that tourists can visit, learn about the history of the region, and see unique rock formations. Visitors can also try the fresh seafood, which is delicious.
What Should I Take to Vietnam?
Vietnam is a beautiful country with hot and humid weather. When packing for a trip to Vietnam, it’s important to bring lightweight, breathable clothes made from cotton or linen. You should also pack comfortable shoes for walking and flip-flops for the beach.
Don’t forget to bring a universal adapter for electronics and a power bank to charge your devices on the go. If you need prescription medication, be sure to bring enough for your trip. You should also pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs.
It’s a good idea to bring some cash in case credit card machines are not working. But, you can also exchange currency at banks and exchange offices in Vietnam. Remember to pack light and leave room for souvenirs!
Canadian Embassy in Vietnam
When travelling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Canadian Embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
Canadian Embassy Hanoi – Consular Annex
31 Hung Vuong Street,
Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone: 84 (4) 3734-5000
If you have any questions about travelling to Vietnam or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Vietnam
“For my first trip to Vietnam, I feel at ease with the information that was given during my appointment! Would definitely go again for future trips!”
“The nurse was excellent!! Knowledgeable, informative, efficient & not pushy!! I know my Vietnam trip will be safe.”
“Excellent and prompt service for my trip to Vietnam. Helpful and knowledgeable staff.”
“I used Passport Health’s services three times to cover my vaccinations for my trip to Vietnam. My first visit and third visit was amazing with Heather. She was informative, so kind, listened well, offered advice, and had a true bedside manner. I truly appreciated her support. She made me feel welcome and took great care of me, especially as I am prone to fainting.”
“I took my two girls and myself to get ready for a family trip to Vietnam. My youngest is very scared of needles. The nurse was great, she explained everything carefully, let us watch a video with travel tips we didn’t know about and was great while giving us the shots. There was still some tears but not that bad.”
“I met with the nurse to talk about my upcoming trip to Vietnam. She was very helpful, professional and informative and I felt confident in the advice she gave.”
“Just had the nurse go over thoroughly with me the health risks of travelling to Vietnam and was very candid and entertained my many questions. Very informative and not prudish at all!”
“Excellent prompt courteous service. The nurse was very knowledgeable as she explained all requirements for Vietnam to me. It was a real nice pleasure.”
“The nurse was extremely knowledgeable, informative and helpful with all the health requirements for our trip to Vietnam.”
“Very informative. The nurse had a list of all the vaccines available for my trip to Vietnam. She explained in detail the different health risks associated with the type of travelling I will be doing, as well as the preventive measures that can be taken to help minimize the chances of contracting a virus. A true professional! I highly recommend.”
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