Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment:
| Quick Answer: Travellers from the UK to Vietnam should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and depending on their itinerary, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and hepatitis B. Malaria prevention tablets may be needed for certain rural or border areas. A travel health consultation with a pharmacist or nurse is strongly recommended at least six to eight weeks before departure. |
Vietnam is one of the most popular long haul destinations for UK travellers, attracting visitors to cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc, the rice terraces of Sa Pa, and the ancient town of Hoi An. It is also a country with a range of infectious disease risks that vary significantly depending on your itinerary, season of travel, and accommodation type. At Newdays Pharmacy in Berkshire, we provide full travel health consultations for Vietnam and can administer all relevant vaccines from our branches in Eton, Twyford, Reading, and Lane End.
Which Vaccinations Are Recommended for Vietnam?
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water and is one of the most common vaccine preventable infections acquired by travellers to Vietnam. It is recommended for almost all visitors. A single dose provides protection for up to twelve months; a booster given six to twelve months later extends protection for twenty five or more years, potentially lifelong.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Vietnam is a moderate to high risk destination, and typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travellers, particularly those eating street food, travelling off the beaten track, or visiting during warmer months when transmission is higher. An injectable single dose vaccine or a three capsule oral course (Vivotif) are both available at Newdays Pharmacy.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito borne viral infection transmitted in rural agricultural areas, particularly rice paddies and pig farming regions. The risk to short stay urban tourists is low, but it is recommended for travellers planning extended stays of a month or more in rural Vietnam, travellers visiting during the transmission season (May to October in northern Vietnam), or those engaging in outdoor activities in rural areas. The vaccine (Ixiaro) is given as a two dose course, twenty eight days apart, and should be started at least five weeks before departure.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Vietnam, primarily through dog bites. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for travellers staying for a month or longer, those working with animals, adventure travellers and cyclists in rural areas, and children. Without pre exposure vaccination, a bite in a country like Vietnam is a medical emergency requiring rabies immunoglobulin, which may be difficult to obtain. The pre-exposure course consists of three doses over twenty one to twenty eight days.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is recommended for travellers who may have sexual contact abroad, those working in healthcare settings, or those planning longer stays. Twinrix combines hepatitis A and B protection in a single injection course.
Do I Need Malaria Tablets for Vietnam?
Malaria risk in Vietnam is low for standard tourist itineraries. The main cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An), the coast, and most popular tourist routes carry minimal or no malaria risk. Malaria prevention tablets may be recommended for travellers visiting the western highlands near the Cambodian and Laos borders, particularly in forested or rural areas. Your travel health pharmacist at Newdays will assess your specific itinerary.
What About Routine Travel Vaccinations For Vietnam?
Before any international trip, it is worth confirming that your routine NHS vaccinations are up to date. These include tetanus, diphtheria and polio (Td/IPV), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and if applicable, meningitis ACWY and chickenpox. Vietnam does not require any routine vaccinations as a condition of entry from travellers directly from the UK. However a yellow fever certificate may be required if part of a multi-destination trip, your pharmacist will be able to advise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Book your travel vaccination appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure. Some vaccines, including Japanese encephalitis and rabies, require multiple doses given several weeks apart. Booking early helps ensure you are fully protected before your trip.
This FAQ focuses on travel health rather than visa requirements. Before travelling, check the latest Vietnam entry requirements through the official Vietnamese e-visa portal or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Yes. Newdays Pharmacy provides travel vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B and combination vaccines. Malaria tablet prescriptions are also available following a travel health consultation at our branches in Eton, Twyford, Reading (Coley Park) and Lane End.
Typhoid vaccination for travel is not routinely available free on the NHS in England and is commonly provided as a private service. Some travel vaccines, such as hepatitis A in certain circumstances, may be available on the NHS. Your pharmacist can advise which vaccinations you need and how they are provided.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |