Thailand is a beloved destination—whether you’re exploring Bangkok’s street food, trekking through Chiang Mai, or unwinding on the islands. But a safe, healthy trip starts before you even board the plane.
At Walker Street Doctors, we offer expert travel consultations to ensure you’re protected against the health risks you might encounter.
Vaccination Recommendations for Thailand
We recommend the following vaccines for all durations of stay, tailored to your itinerary and health needs.
Routine Vaccines
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Tetanus/Diphtheria (ADT): Booster every 10 years.
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Polio: Ensure full immunisation, particularly if you missed childhood doses.
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Influenza & Pneumococcal: Recommended for travellers over 65 or with chronic conditions.
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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Essential in 2025 due to global measles outbreaks.
Infants aged 6–11 months should receive an early MMR dose before travel.
Travel-Specific Vaccines
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Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended for all travellers—food and water-borne.
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Hepatitis B: Important if you may:
- Have sexual contact with locals
- Receive medical treatment
- Stay for >6 months
- Work in healthcare or aid
Also routinely recommended for infants and adolescents.
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Typhoid: Particularly important due to antibiotic-resistant strains in the region.
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Rabies: Consider if you’ll be working with or around animals, or travelling in remote areas.
- Malaria:
- Present in rural, forested areas near the borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
- No malaria in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket, or most beach destinations.
We'll advise if antimalarials are needed based on your route.
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Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for long stays (>4 weeks) in rural or agricultural areas, or if visiting during a known outbreak.
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Cholera vaccine: Considered for higher-risk travellers (e.g., with chronic illness or immunosuppression).
Insect-Borne Diseases
Mosquitoes are the main risk in Thailand’s warm climate. Diseases spread by mosquitoes include:
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Dengue – Widespread; January 2024 reports showed a rise in cases.
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Zika – Risk remains. Pregnant women should avoid travel due to the risk of birth defects.
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Chikungunya – Similar to dengue with joint pain and fatigue.
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Japanese Encephalitis – More common in rural regions.
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Filariasis & plague – Rare, but present in some areas.
Protect yourself from insect bites:
- Use repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Wear long, light-coloured clothing
- Sleep under mosquito nets or stay in screened accommodation
Other Health Risks in Thailand
Measles – February 2025 Alert
Ensure two documented MMR doses. Catch-up vaccination is safe and effective.
Zika Virus
- Pregnant travellers should avoid Thailand.
- Women trying to conceive should be vigilant with mosquito precautions.
- Practice safe sex or abstain during pregnancy if your partner has travelled to Thailand.
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
- Avoid contact with birds and poultry farms.
- Only eat thoroughly cooked chicken and eggs—no runny yolks or raw dishes.
Cholera
Endemic in the region, particularly during floods or natural disasters.
- Drink only sealed bottled water
- Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, ice, and unwashed produce
- Practice strict hand hygiene—especially before meals or food prep
Water Safety & Schistosomiasis
Do not swim in freshwater rivers or lakes, especially in rural Thailand. Stick to well-chlorinated pools to avoid parasitic infections like schistosomiasis.
Feeling Unwell After Travel?
If you develop fever, rash, joint pain, or flu-like symptoms after returning from Thailand—even up to a year later—see your GP and mention your travel history, particularly if you visited a malaria-risk area.
Book Your Travel Appointment Early
Walker Street Doctors offers:
- Tailored vaccine advice based on your itinerary
- Malaria risk assessments and prescriptions
- Travel kits, repellents, and medical letters
- Calm, efficient care from experienced travel clinicians
⏰ We recommend booking your travel consult 2–4 weeks before departure.
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