What Vaccines Do You Need Before Travelling to Thailand?
To prevent illnesses and hazards whilst travelling to Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia, take safety measures. Consider getting immunised against certain diseases and stay updated on the UK children’s immunisation schedule before embarking. The vaccines will protect you from several common, avoidable diseases, such as hepatitis A, which are prevalent across Thailand. Keep reading to find out how to get your vaccines to travel to Thailand from our pharmacy in Bedford.
What vaccines do I need to travel to Thailand?
If you’re planning to travel to Thailand, it’s essential to ensure that your vaccinations are up-to-date to protect yourself from potential health risks. While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entering Thailand, the following vaccinations are recommended by the NHS and the World Health Organization (WHO):
Routine vaccinations
You should ensure that you’re up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, as well as your yearly flu jab.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can be contracted through contaminated food and water, and it’s a common risk in Thailand. It’s recommended that you get the Hepatitis A vaccine before travelling to Thailand.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that can also be transmitted through contaminated water and food. The typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travellers to Thailand, especially if you are staying in rural areas or eating and drinking outside of major restaurants and hotels.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be contracted through sexual contact, contaminated needles, or blood transfusions. The NHS recommends the Hepatitis B vaccine for anyone who might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection that can be contracted through animal bites. If you’re planning on staying in Thailand for a long period or doing outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, or biking, it’s vital that you get the Rabies vaccine.
How can you stay safe when travelling to Thailand?
Injections and checks
When travelling to Thailand, make sure you receive the necessary vaccines to prevent infections. It’s also important to bring Anti-malarial pills or other medications along with you.
Get a lightweight backpack
When travelling abroad, a bum bag may be really helpful. It not only keeps all of your belongings in one location but also makes it simple to wear them covertly underneath clothing.
Check the weather
Checking the weather before your trip can be crucial, especially if you’re visiting an area that is prone to flooding. While it may not always be possible to completely avoid rainy days, taking the time to plan your visit during a time of year that typically experiences less rainfall can help you avoid the negative effects that flooding can have on infrastructure and daily life.
Respect local customs
While it may take some time to adjust, it’s recommended to familiarise yourself with local customs in Thailand before your trip.
Learn some basic phrases
If you show a willingness to converse in the locals’ language, they will like you more and respect you more. Even if you are not proficient, knowing how to say “hi,” “thank you,” and “please” might help you make a good first impression.
When should I get my vaccines before I travel to Thailand from Bedford?
It’s key to plan ahead and get vaccinated before travelling to Thailand. This ensures that you have adequate time for the vaccines to take effect. It’s recommended that you get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to Thailand, if possible.
Some vaccines require multiple doses over a period of several weeks. So it’s essential to start the vaccination process early enough to complete all doses before your trip. The Hepatitis B vaccine requires three doses over six months, while the Rabies vaccine needs three to four doses over several weeks.
If you’re not able to get vaccinated at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip, it’s still recommended to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Even if you don’t have enough time for the vaccines to take full effect, some protection is better than none.
It’s also crucial to remember that vaccines aren’t the only way to protect yourself from illnesses and diseases while travelling. Take additional precautions such as maintaining good hygiene, drinking treated or bottled water, and avoiding contaminated food and drinks.
Where can I get my vaccines to travel to Thailand in Bedford?
Visit or book your appointment with C&H Barton Pharmacy to get Thailand travel vaccines in Bedford. Stay safe as you travel.
This blog post was written on behalf of C & H Barton Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.