If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, one of the most common questions that pops up is: “What vaccinations do I need before I go?”
The answer depends on your personal health, travel style, and where you’re visiting, but it is important always to check your own country’s official travel health website (linked UK – Fit for Travel by the NHS) and speak to your doctor or travel clinic before booking vaccinations. Requirements can change at short notice, and your personal health situation might mean you need more (or fewer) vaccines.
General Health & Safety Tips for Thailand
Many travel-related illnesses can’t be prevented by vaccines alone. It’s important to also think about:
- Food & water safety – drink bottled or filtered water and eat freshly cooked food
- Avoiding insect bites – cover up, use repellent, and sleep under nets if needed
- Accident prevention – be cautious when driving scooters or swimming in unfamiliar areas
- Sun safety – use SPF 30+ and avoid midday sun (perfect opportunity to enjoy a nice lunch)
- Animal bite prevention – avoid touching stray dogs, cats, or monkeys
- Hand & respiratory hygiene – wash hands often and carry sanitiser
- Travel insurance – make sure it covers medical care abroad
Vaccinations Commonly Considered for Thailand
Make sure your routine vaccines are up to date
Before thinking about extras, check that your childhood boosters are in place (e.g. MMR, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio) as well as seasonal flu and COVID-19 (if eligible).
Vaccines often recommended for Thailand
These aren’t always essential, but many travellers choose to have them:
- Diphtheria – spread by coughs and sneezes; higher risk in crowded areas
- Hepatitis A – spread via contaminated food/water; risk higher in rural areas or places with poor sanitation
- Hepatitis B – spread via blood, bodily fluids, tattoos, piercings, or unprotected sex
- Rabies – spread via bites or scratches from animals (especially dogs, cats, monkeys, bats)
- Tetanus – spores in soil can infect wounds; boosters are recommended if travelling somewhere medical care may be delayed
- Typhoid – spread via contaminated food/water; risk higher where clean water is limited
- Yellow Fever – Thailand doesn’t have Yellow Fever, but you’ll need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from (or transiting through) a country where the disease exists.
Other Health Risks in Thailand
Dengue Fever
Dengue is common in Thailand and spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can feel like severe flu (“break-bone fever”). There’s no specific treatment, so bite prevention is key:
- Wear long, loose clothing during the day
- Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin and reapply as directed
- Stay in places with screens or air conditioning
💡 Tip: In Thailand, you can buy effective mosquito repellent at any 7-Eleven for less than £2.00. Our recommendation is the popular Soffell, which comes in sprays or lotions.
A dengue vaccine (Qdenga®) does exist in the UK but is only recommended in certain cases (i.e. if you’ve had dengue previously). Speak to your healthcare provider for more information.
Before You Travel
✅ Book a travel health appointment at least 6–8 weeks before your trip
✅ Check the latest entry and vaccination requirements for Thailand on your government website
✅ Make sure your travel insurance covers medical treatment abroad
✅ If travelling with medication, check Thai import rules
✈️ Ready to book your Thailand adventure?
While you might not need every vaccine on this list, it’s worth getting professional advice so you can enjoy Thailand without worrying about preventable illnesses. With a few simple precautions and a quick stop at your local travel clinic, you’ll be all set for beaches, temples, and delicious street food.
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Sending sunshine from Koh Samui,
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