Getting your travel jabs is one of the most important things to do before setting off on your travels! You’ll need to factor this into your pre-trip planning as some vaccinations for Southeast Asia need to be administered weeks or even months before you hit the road.
We know it’s not fun to think about and there’s a lot of information to wade through. But worry not fearless traveller, we’ve rounded up all the information to help you work out what vaccinations you need to have and when.
Read on and you’ll be vaccine-savvy in no time!
Related: (opens in new tab)
- 🚨 Is it Safe to Backpack in Southeast Asia?
- 💊 Do I Need Malaria Tablets in Southeast Asia?
- 🦟 Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know
What Travel Jabs do I Need for Southeast Asia? 💉
Disclaimer: We are travel experts, not medical professionals. The below guide has been put together using reputable sources but it should not be used in place of medical advice. We strongly recommend you speak to a health professional before travelling to Southeast Asia.
Where to Get Vaccinations for Southeast Asia: Travel Clinics 🏥
The first stop on your vaccination journey is to visit a travel clinic, which is essentially a medical centre that specialises in travel health. These are usually always private even if your country has a free healthcare system.
During a consultation the clinician should go through your itinerary and plans and talk through the recommended inoculations for each country you plan to visit. This process is important as it means you will receive personalised advice. Some activities pose a greater risk of diseases than others. If you plan on doing things such as jungle trekking, working with animals or spending long periods in rural areas, your requirements are likely to be different to someone who plans to spend all their time on the beach.
Visiting a travel clinic will also ensure that you get the most up-to-date advice. While we have done our best to ensure the information in this article is correct, health risks and corresponding advice do change. Speaking to a medical professional is the best way to ensure you’re getting correct information and advice appropriate for you.
Bear in mind that you may need to be vaccinated against several diseases and that some vaccinations require multiple doses, so expect to have to return to the clinic on several occasions depending on what you need.
“I’ve prepared for long-haul travel to Asia in the UK, Spain and France and have been advised differently in all three countries. When this happens, I simply go with what the medical centre says. 99% of the time, I find that the medical clinic is overly cautious in what they recommend and so at the very worst, I’ll end up inoculated against something that there is little risk of in the country that I’m travelling, however, what’s the harm in that. It’s better to be safe than sorry!” Nikki Scott, Founder and Editor at South East Asia Backpacker
Advice for Specific Countries 🌏
The vaccination recommendations are very similar for all destinations in Southeast Asia and the below list takes into account the region as a whole, covering you for all countries. In our experience, it’s better to be comprehensively protected. One of the great things about travel is spontaneity, and if you feel like heading to a country you didn’t plan to visit you won’t need to worry whether you have the right vaccinations! You can find country-specific advice on these trusted websites: Travel Health Pro and Fit For Travel.
Essential Vaccinations for Southeast Asia 💉
Essential vaccinations are those recommended for all travellers.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a very infectious disease that affects the liver. The virus is spread through contaminated food and water and is, therefore, more prevalent in countries with low levels of sanitation and hygiene. Symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) and nausea.
Vaccine course: Single injection followed by a second (optional) dose after 6–12 months
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: 2–3 weeks
Length of protection: Approx 6 months for single dose; 25 years after two doses
Essential for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries except Singapore
Hep A Combined Vaccines ✌️
There is a combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine. Having this jab can be a more efficient and cost-effective way to protect against two diseases at once. Speak to a medical professional about whether this is appropriate for you. There was previously also a combined hepatitis A and typhoid vaccine but this has been discontinued.
Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria (Combined Vaccine)
Protection from these three diseases can be offered with a single vaccine. Most children will be vaccinated against tetanus, polio and diphtheria as part of regular childhood immunisation programmes with a booster given at age 14 (in the UK this is known as the 3-in-1 teenage booster). If your last dose of this vaccine was more than 10 years ago, you will need another booster before travelling to Southeast Asia.
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, found in soil, saliva, dust and animal poo. It is usually contracted when bacteria enters the body through a wound. It is a serious disease that can be life threatening. Tetanus is also known as lockjaw, due to the stiffness of the neck and muscle spasms that are common with this disease.
Polio, also known as Poliomyelitis, is a viral disease most common amongst children. It is a highly infectious disease spread through bodily fluids. In severe cases polio causes paralysis in its victims and can be life threatening.
Diphtheria is an infection of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose that can lead to breathing difficulties. It is very contagious and can be spread through sneezing, sharing cups or sharing clothing or bedding.
Vaccine course: Single injection (this will be a booster if you are up to date with your childhood vaccines; if you have not previously been immunised you will need several doses)
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: 2 weeks
Length of protection: 10 years
Essential for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries
Typhoid
Typhoid (aka typhoid fever) is a serious bacterial infection that is caused by the bacterium known as Salmonella typhi. It is passed on through contaminated food and water and is more common in parts of the world with low sanitation and hygiene levels. It can lead to high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea (symptoms can be very similar to food poisoning). If treated early on, antibiotics are usually successful in eradicating typhoid. However, if left untreated it can be fatal.
Vaccine course: Either a single injection or a course of three capsules over five days.
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: 2 weeks to 1 month
Length of protection: 3 years
Essential for travel to: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vietnam (also recommended for Malaysia and Thailand)
Recommended Vaccinations for Southeast Asia 🧑⚕️
Recommended vaccinations might be necessary for some travellers but not others depending on your medical history, what you plan to do during your trip and how long you intend to travel.
Dengue
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by infected mosquitoes. It causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, vomiting and fatigue. It’s also known as break bone fever as it can cause severe pain in the joints. Dengue is more common in urban areas and during the wet season as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water.
Most people who contract dengue will have mild or even no symptoms. Severe dengue, while rare in travellers, can be serious and potentially life threatening. In 2024 a new dengue vaccine was approved but it is currently only recommended to travellers who have had dengue previously (you may need to provide a positive blood test result to prove this). This is because those who contract dengue for a second time are more likely to suffer severe dengue.
Vaccine course: 2 injections over 3 months
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: First injection to be administered at least 3 months before travel
Length of protection: Not yet known
Recommended for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries
Travellers at higher risk: Those who have had dengue in the past
Sweating it? Never Ignore a Fever! 🥵
If you develop a fever while travelling in Southeast Asia you should always seek medical attention, even if you start to feel better. Fever is a symptom of many tropical diseases and it is always worth getting checked out. With dengue, for example, fever often subsides quickly and victims start to feel better but may then develop severe dengue one or two days later! I ignored a fever when I fell ill in Bali only to be hospitalised with dengue a few days afterwards. The sooner you’re diagnosed, the sooner you can be treated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection of the liver. It is transmitted via bodily fluids, exposure to infected blood, unclean needle usage, unprotected sex and from mother to baby. If you get a tattoo or piercing whilst abroad, need stitches in a local hospital or get a new sexual partner, you could be at risk.
Vaccine course: 3 injections over 6 months (an accelerated course given over 3 weeks may be available to those travelling at short notice)
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: First injection should be at least 1 month before travel (but ideally 6 months)
Length of protection: 20 years+
Recommended for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries
Travellers at higher risk: Those who may be exposed to bodily fluids (either through health/aid work or unprotected sex); those who may be exposed to contaminated needles
Japanese Encephalitis
Despite its slightly confusing name, Japanese Encephalitis can be found across Asia, especially in rural areas where there is rice cultivation and pig farming. It’s a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that affects the brain. Cases in travellers are very rare and symptoms are often mild (including headache, fever and confusions). However, some cases do require hospitalisation and in such instances neurological complications and death are not uncommon.
Vaccine course: 2 injections administered 28 days apart (followed by a booster after 1 year if still at risk)
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: 1 week
Length of protection: 1 year after first dose then 10 years following booster jab
Recommended for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries
Travellers at higher risk: Those spending one month or more in a country where the disease is prevalent; those spending prolonged periods in rural areas
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound (as well as licks to the eyes, nose or mouth). Rabies can be spread by any infected mammal but it is mostly associated with dogs. Monkeys and bats are also a concern in Southeast Asia. The disease attacks the nervous system causing aggressive behaviour and hallucinations, or paralysis and coma. It is nearly always fatal.
While most people know that a bite can transmit rabies, it’s important to know that it can also be contracted through being licked or scratched by an infected animal, as this tragic story demonstrates.
It’s also important to highlight that the rabies vaccination does not give full protection against the disease. Anyone who is bitten, licked or scratched by an animal in a rabies-risk country will need two post-exposure jabs. Having the vaccination extends the time frame between exposure (when you were bitten, scratched or licked) and treatment from 24 hours to 72 hours. In remote and rural areas in Southeast Asia, medical treatment may not be immediately available. So this is something to consider if you plan on spending time in such places.
If you have not had the rabies vaccination, treatment after rabies exposure also requires a shot of rabies immunoglobulin, which is often in short supply globally. Travellers who have received the rabies vaccination prior to being bitten/scratched/licked will not need rabies immunoglobulin.
Vaccine course: 3 injections over 28 days
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: First dose to be administered at least 1 month before travel
Length of protection: 1–2 years (a booster 4th dose is recommended after 1 year for those at continued risk)
Recommended for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries
Travellers at higher risk: Anyone working or spending time with animals, especially dogs, monkeys or bats
Tuberculosis (TB)
More commonly referred to as TB, tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs. Once part of the childhood immunization programme in many European countries, the vaccination against TB (called the BGC vaccine) is no longer given as routine to children owing to declining risk of the disease in Western countries. However, TB is still prevalent in Southeast Asia.
Vaccine course: Single injection
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: Check with your travel clinician
Length of protection: At least 20 years
Recommended for travel to: All Southeast Asian countries
Travellers at higher risk: Healthcare workers; long-term travellers (3 months+)
Other Vaccinations to Consider Before Travelling to Southeast Asia 🤒
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water that causes severe diarrhoea. The cholera vaccine is not normally recommended for the average traveller. However, if you are planning to find a job as an aid worker, volunteer or travel to remote areas with limited access to medical services, then your doctor may advise you to get this vaccine.
The disease is often contracted through drinking unclean water or eating food that has been washed in dirty water. Cholera can become a risk in areas affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, where water sources may have been contaminated.
Vaccine course: Administered as a drink: 2 doses given 1 to 6 weeks apart
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: Course to be finished at least 1 week before travel
Length of protection: 2 years
Recommended for travel to: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam
Travellers at higher risk: Aid workers or those going to areas of cholera outbreak with limited access to safe drinking water and medical care
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
This trio of diseases, commonly referred to as MMR, are highly infectious and can lead to serious conditions, such as hearing loss, sight loss or meningitis. The MMR vaccination is routinely given as part of childhood vaccination schedules in Western countries. Ensure you have had both your jabs before travelling to Southeast Asia. If you have only had one, you may need a booster.
Vaccine course: 2 doses over 1 month if previously unvaccinated
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: Check with your travel clinician
Length of protection: Lifelong
Recommended for: Anyone who has not previously had the MMR vaccine
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It is prevalent in South America and Africa. While a yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for travel to Southeast Asia, be aware that some countries require proof of vaccination if you are travelling from a country where yellow fever is present.
Vaccine course: Single injection
Recommended time between vaccination and travelling: 10 days
Length of protection: Lifelong
Recommended for: Anyone travelling to Southeast Asia from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk (including any country in South America).
A Note on Malaria 🦟
Malaria is a serious disease transmitted through mosquito bites. There is no travel vaccine available for malaria but there are antimalarial tablets, which may be recommended for some travellers. Read more about antimalarials and the risk of malaria across Southeast Asia here.
Tips for Staying Healthy in Southeast Asia 💡
- Get Vaccinated!
There is no better way to protect yourself, and others, from the diseases prevalent in Southeast Asia than ensuring you’re fully vaccinated. It really is worth the time, effort and expense.
- Practice Good Hygiene
In general, hygiene standards in Southeast Asia are below what you’d expect in the Western world and food and water contamination is the most common reason travellers get sick. The worst you’re likely to experience is a bit of Bali belly, but serious diseases like hepatitis A and cholera are also transmitted this way.
While you can’t control if and how well other people keep their hands clean you can mitigate the chances of getting sick by always washing your hands after using the bathroom and before you eat. Carry a small bottle of sanitizer with you for those (frequent) times when the bathroom is out of soap.
- Avoid Mosquitoes Bites
Easier said than done, we know! But bite avoidance is one of the key defences you have against vector-borne diseases (those transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks) such as dengue fever, malaria and Japanese encephalitis. There are day-biting mosquitoes and night-biting mosquitoes, which are most active around dawn and dusk. Dengue is spread by day-biting mozzies, while malaria and Japanese encephalitis are spread by night-biters. As such, you should aim to protect yourself at all times: wear long loose clothing, use insect repellent (ones containing DEET are best) and sleep under a mosquito net.
- Avoid Contact with Stray Animals
Rabies is contracted through the saliva of infected animals. This can be through a bite or scratch, or even licking an open wound or a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. Sadly, stray dogs are common all over Southeast Asia. Some can be aggressive and the risk of being scratched or bitten by a stray animal is much higher in the region than in most Western countries. However cute they look, don’t stroke or pet stray dogs or cats in Southeast Asia and avoid looking angry dogs in the eye or provoking them in any way.
If a dog looks like it may attack, one tip is to bend down as though you are picking up a stone to throw at them. You don’t actually have to throw a stone, but this simple action often scares dogs away. (Probably because the locals have thrown stones at them in the past and they have learnt to run.)
Be aware that a rabies-infected animal may not always show symptoms and many mammals can transmit the disease including cats, bats, monkeys and foxes. Here is a list of countries worldwide where rabies exists among local animals.
- Carry a Water Filter or Purifier
Access to clean drinking water is not something you’re likely to have to think about in your home country, but things are different in developing countries. Drinking tap water in Southeast Asia is not recommended! While there is easy access to bottled or filtered water across the region, filtered water bottles can literally be a lifesaver on those occasions you find yourself on a hiking trail without a 7-11 nearby! The Grayl GeoPress, for example, makes any fresh water source potable removing water pathogens, including hepatitis A, cholera and dysentery!
- Make Sure You’re Insured
If the worst happens and you find yourself needing medical treatment while in Southeast Asia, the last thing you want to be worrying about is how you’re going to pay a huge bill! We cannot overstate the importance of having good travel insurance.
“After contracting dengue fever while travelling in Indonesia I was admitted to hospital for treatment. After just a few days the bill racked up to thousands of dollars and I was so thankful to have travel insurance. I don’t know what I would have done without it, especially as I was too ill to think about anything other than getting better.” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker
FAQs 🤔
When should I start planning to get my travel jabs?
The sooner the better! As outlined above, some vaccinations require more than one dose over weeks or even months. Some also require a short gap between receiving the jab and travelling, this is to allow time for the vaccine to kick in and ensure you’re fully protected before potential exposure.
Ideally, you should start thinking about vaccines at least two months before you travel (or preferably six months if you need to have hepatitis A or B jabs). However, don’t panic – there are accelerated courses for some of the vaccinations that require multiple doses. So, even if you are short on time you should still visit a travel clinic before you set off.
How much do travel jabs cost?
There is no straightforward answer to this as it depends on what vaccinations you need and in which country you are getting them. Some countries with free healthcare may offer certain travel jabs for free.
For example, in the UK vaccinations against hepatitis A, cholera, typhoid and polio (as part of the polio, tetanus, diphtheria vaccine) are available to travellers for free on the NHS. This is because these diseases pose a risk to public health if brought into the country. All other travel vaccinations will need to be paid for.
Typical costs for receiving travel vaccinations from a travel clinic in the UK are listed below. Note that the price will vary depending on your location in the world and could be significantly more.
- Cholera: around £68 (2 doses at £34 each); approx. $93USD
- Dengue Fever: around £240 (2 doses at £120 each); approx. $328USD
- Hepatitis A: around £63; approx. $86USD
- Hepatitis B: around £52; approx. $71USD
- Japanese Encephalitis: £218 (2 doses at £109 each); approx. $298USD
- MMR: around £45; approx. $61USD
- Rabies: around £222 (3 doses at £74 each); approx. $304USD
- Tetanus, Polio & Diphtheria: around £38; approx. $52USD
- Typhoid: around £38; approx. $52USD
- Yellow Fever: around £74; approx. $101USD
Are travel vaccinations compulsory?
No, it is not compulsory to have travel vaccinations for travel to Southeast Asia. However, it is highly recommended, for your own safety and the safety of others. A couple of exceptions are yellow fever and polio, where some countries may require proof of vaccination if you’re travelling from a country that is a transmission risk for either of these diseases. You can see which countries in Southeast Asia may require proof on our Visa Guide where we outline the entry requirements for each country.
Can I get vaccinations if I’m already travelling?
Yes, clinics across Southeast Asia will be able to administer vaccinations for travel-related diseases. However, it’s always preferable to have vaccinations before you travel whenever possible. Also be aware that travel insurance generally doesn’t cover the cost of travel vaccines.
Immunisation Resources:
You can get more in-depth advice about each country on the following websites:
Lisa Barham
Having always dreamt of travelling the world, Lisa finally decided to follow that dream in her mid-thirties when she left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. After trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal and learning to surf in Sri Lanka, she headed for wondrous Southeast Asia, where she can currently be found solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets.
Follow her on: Instagram
