From vibrant Manila to the beaches of Palawan and the rice terraces of Banaue, the Philippines offers rich experiences for every traveller. But before you set off, it's important to protect your health—especially when travelling to tropical or rural regions.
At Walker Street Doctors, we’ll help you prepare for a healthy, stress-free trip.
Vaccination Recommendations for the Philippines
We recommend the following vaccines for all durations of stay, tailored to your itinerary, length of travel, and health status.
Routine Vaccines
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Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT booster): Due every 10 years.
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Polio: Ensure you’re fully immunised, especially in 2025.
The WHO recommends polio vaccination for all travellers, and proof may be required if you're staying more than 4 weeks.
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Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): Especially important due to a global measles surge.
Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early MMR dose before travel.
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Influenza & Pneumococcal: Strongly recommended for travellers over 65 or those with chronic health issues.
Travel-Specific Vaccines
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Hepatitis A: Spread via food and water—essential for all travellers.
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Hepatitis B: Important if you may:
- Stay longer than 6 months
- Require medical care
- Work in healthcare
- Have sexual contact with locals
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Typhoid: Recommended due to multi-drug-resistant strains in the region.
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Rabies: Consider for longer stays, rural travel, or work involving animals.
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Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for stays over 4 weeks in rural or rice-farming areas, or during known outbreaks.
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Cholera: May be considered for travellers at higher risk (e.g. immunocompromised, humanitarian workers).
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Yellow Fever: Only required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, including long transits.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are active year-round in the Philippines, especially during the rainy season. Several serious illnesses are spread via mosquito bites:
Dengue – Alert: Increased Cases in April 2025
- Symptoms include high fever, rash, muscle and joint pain.
- Severe dengue is a medical emergency.
Zika Virus
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Pregnant women should not travel to the Philippines due to the risk of serious birth defects.
- Women trying to conceive should use strict mosquito precautions.
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Zika can be sexually transmitted—use condoms or avoid sex during pregnancy if a partner has travelled to a Zika-affected area.
Chikungunya
- Similar symptoms to dengue but can cause lingering joint pain.
- The mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya bite during both day and night, indoors and outdoors.
Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis, Plague
- Rare but present in some regions.
- Insect precautions help prevent these illnesses.
To prevent mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Wear long, light-coloured clothing
- Sleep in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Use mosquito nets when necessary
Water Safety & Food Hygiene
- Stick to sealed bottled water, including for brushing teeth
- Avoid ice, raw seafood, and unwashed produce
- Eat food that’s freshly cooked and hot
- Avoid swimming in freshwater lakes or rivers—risk of schistosomiasis
Travel Safety
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Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury for travellers.
- Walk and drive defensively.
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Avoid night-time travel, especially in rural areas.
- Always wear seatbelts or helmets.
If You Become Unwell
If you develop fever or flu-like symptoms while in a malaria-risk area or up to 12 months after returning, seek medical care and tell your doctor about your travel. This is crucial for diagnosing conditions like malaria or dengue early.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip
At Walker Street Doctors, we offer:
- Travel health consultations
- Personalised vaccine planning
- Malaria and dengue prevention strategies
- Insect repellent kits and travel essentials
- Medical letters and documentation for travel insurance or border entry
Book your travel appointment 2–4 weeks before departure to allow time for full protection.
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