When planning a trip to Vietnam, it is important to prioritize your health and safety. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare:

Travel Health Notice

There are currently no notices in effect in Vietnam.

Vaccines and Medicines

Before traveling, consult your doctor at least one month in advance to discuss necessary vaccines and medications. Make sure you have routine vaccinations such as Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Influenza, MMR, Polio and Shingles.

Consider additional vaccines for common diseases in Vietnam:

• Chikungunya Fever: Recommended for travelers 65 years of age and older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (total time) in indoor or outdoor areas with mosquitoes in Vietnam, or who are staying for extended periods of time (6 months or more).
• Hepatitis A and B: Required for all travelers, with specific instructions for infants and people with allergies. Recommended for unvaccinated travelers over one year of age traveling to Vietnam. Infants 6 to 11 months of age should also receive hepatitis A vaccine. This dose does not count toward the usual 2-dose series. Travelers with allergies to vaccine components should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides protection for up to 2 months depending on the dose administered. Unvaccinated travelers over 40 years of age, immunocompromised, or with chronic medical conditions who plan to travel to an at-risk area within less than 2 weeks should receive their first dose of vaccine and at the same immune globulin appointment.
• Japanese encephalitis: Recommended for long-term travelers or those visiting rural areas. Recommended for travelers Moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live, Spending a long period of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis, Traveling frequently to areas with Japanese encephalitis. Consider vaccination for travelers: Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but engaging in activities that increase the risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, mosquito nets, or bed nets. Traveling to areas with Japanese encephalitis without being sure of their activities or how long they will be there. Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or traveling to areas without a clear Japanese encephalitis season.
• Malaria: Prescription medication is recommended for certain areas. We recommend that travelers to certain areas of Vietnam take prescription medication to prevent malaria. Depending on the medication you take, you will need to start taking it several days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which antimalarial medication you should take.
• Measles: Ensure up-to-date vaccinations, especially for international travelers. Measles cases are increasing worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure or have not had measles in the past and are traveling internationally to areas where measles is currently endemic. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants aged 6–11 months

Diseases that cannot be prevented by vaccines

Be aware of diseases such as Leptospirosis, Schistosomiasis, Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika, Avian Flu, Hantavirus, and Tuberculosis. Practice safe behaviors to avoid these diseases, such as staying away from contaminated water, preventing insect bites, and staying away from people who are sick.

Stay healthy and safe

• Food and water safety: Food and water standards in Vietnam vary by destination. Standards can also vary within a country, and risks may vary depending on the type of activity (e.g. hiking versus business travel). Read other iGuide.ai guide articles for details on safe consumption and avoiding untreated water.
• Prevent insect bites: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and sleep in areas with mosquito nets. Insects (such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Vietnam. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with vaccines or medications. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent insect bites.
• • What can I do to avoid insect bites?
  • • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
    • Use appropriate insect repellent (see below).
    • Use clothing and gear treated with permethrin (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
    • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or rooms with curtains.
    • Use a bed net if the area you sleep in is exposed to outdoor air.
  • What type of insect repellent should I use?

List of essential items when traveling

Use our Vietnam Travel Essentials Checklist for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important to you.

It is best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some items and medications may be difficult to find in some rural areas of Vietnam, may have different names or ingredients than what you are used to.

Get sick after your trip

If you feel unwell after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding travel medicine in Vietnam, search Medical facility Check iGuide.ai for a reliable, up-to-date list. Be sure to tell your doctor about your trip, including where you went and what you did during your trip. Also, tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribes anti-malarial medication for your trip, continue taking the remaining medication after you return home. If you stop taking the medication too soon, you may still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious and potentially fatal illness. If you develop a fever while traveling in an area at risk of malaria or after returning home (up to 1 year), you should seek medical attention immediately and tell your doctor about your travel history.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Vietnam, while also being well-informed about any health or safety issues.

References: CDC, CDC Vietnam