With a vacation to Thailand on the horizon, it’s hard to contain my excitement for surely what is going to be a memorable trip.
From island hopping, bumming around on beautiful beaches, chasing temples, and sampling street food, what’s not to like? Thailand is the perfect vacation for adventure or relaxing, or both!
Now while I already have a checklist in my head on what clothes and camera gear I want to pack, the pharmacist in me also thinks, “What vaccines do I need for Thailand?”.
While I’m not a paranoid guy (debateable), I just want to make sure that when I leave Thailand I’ll only leave with happy memories and not angry diseases.
So here’s my plan (emphasis on mine because your needs may differ)
Understanding the vacation
You can’t put Thailand in a box and say it only offers one kind of vacation. Like I’ve mentioned you’ve got the relaxing beaches, the vibrant cities, or adventurous treks. Thailand is what you make of it.
I find that my travels tend to be a mix of exploring the city, trying out new cuisines, and a short excursion to mix it up a little.
With this in mind, I have an idea that my risks for certain infectious diseases in Thailand are probably minimal to moderate. No need to scare myself into getting every single possible vaccine.
The Vaccines I Am Getting (Or Upgrading)
Hepatitis A – Without a doubt, this is one vaccine I would not go to Thailand without updating. It spreads through contaminated food and water, and with all the street foods I plan on trying this vaccine is a must have.
Hepatitis B – This is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids so I know my risk is low. However, with Thailand being one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world, if I am considering having any sort of medical procedure or even getting a tattoo, I would put this vaccine on my list.
Typhoid – Because I am a bit more cautious when it comes to food and water sanitation, I would consider getting the typhoid vaccine especially since it is recommended by the CDC.
The Vaccines I’m Still Considering
Cholera – It is also transmitted via contaminated water but the CDC says the vaccine is not recommended because there are no outbreaks or active transmissions in Thailand as of April 2025. However, because it is a vaccine anyone can easily get over the counter (at least in BC you can) and is an oral vaccine instead of injectable, I may consider it if I am feeling extra cautious or my itinerary takes me off the usual tourist path.
Japanese Encephalitis – I don’t plan on going to rural areas or staying in Thailand for over a month so I am at a lower risk, therefore I am leaning towards not getting this vaccine.
What About Other Diseases?
While I focused mainly on vaccines, there are a few other health risks in Thailand mentioned in the CDC Yellow Book like mosquito-borne illnesses (dengue, Zika), rabies from animal bites, and tuberculosis.
But for my trip (emphasis on MY), I’m keeping it simple by using bug spray to keep away mosquitos, avoiding the monkeys and other animals, and carrying over the counter medications for pain, fever, and diarrhea. I’m going on vacation for fun not to paralyze myself with paranoia!
That being said, the vaccines that I plan on getting or am considering for my trip to Thailand are based on my own risks, and they may not necessarily apply to you. I recommend checking out the CDC website for information on other vaccines recommended for Thailand and what you can do to protect yourself.
