Vaccinations for Cambodia: Everything you need to know

Cambodia is a fascinating destination, with a unique culture, world class historic sites, super friendly people and delicious cuisine. Make sure your trip there is as much fun as it should be, by sorting out your travel health requirements in advance. This guide is the perfect place to start.

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Do I need vaccinations for Cambodia?

The requirements for vaccinations for Cambodia can vary quite a bit. There are some vaccines which are strongly suggested to everyone, some which are commonly recommended to at-risk groups, and a few others which are advised if you’ll be in the country for a long time, or undertaking particular activities which may make you more vulnerable to some diseases.

Your own health condition, and your vaccination record to date also make a difference to the vaccinations you might need for Cambodia.

This guide outlines some things to think about when it comes to vaccinations for Cambodia - you can also get loads of helpful advice from sites like the NHS Fit to Travel pages². However, none of this is a substitute for personal, professional advice from a travel health specialist. Try to see a travel health doctor 6 to 8 weeks before your trip if you can, to get the individual advice you need.

What vaccinations are required for Cambodia?

At the time of writing, there’s no need for any proof of Covid vaccination to enter Cambodia³. However, you might need a yellow fever certificate if you’ve come from, or transited through a risk area.

Yellow fever certificates are normally needed for travellers aged 1 and above, coming from risk areas, which are usually in Africa, Central and South America. If you’re not heading to Cambodia directly from the UK, do check if these rules may apply to you.

Cambodia required travel vaccinations

Let’s start with the Cambodia travel vaccinations which are recommended to all travellers.

Primary courses and boosters for the UK

Before you head abroad, take a moment to check you’re up to date with anything that’s covered in the UK’s normal vaccination schedule. This includes childhood vaccines, but can also cover Covid vaccinations, or seasonal flu vaccinations, for example. Some of the vaccines we had as children need to have boosters from time to time to ensure ongoing cover, so you may find you need to catch up, even if you completed your full childhood schedule.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. As Hepatitis A can damage the liver, you may be advised to have vaccination against it if you have underlying health conditions which impact your liver or kidney function, or if you have any other conditions which may increase the risk of disease in general.

Tetanus

Chances are that you will have had a tetanus vaccine as part of the childhood vaccination schedule. However, as it’s a nasty disease which can be contracted through even small cuts, scratches or burns, it’s worth checking you’re still covered. Usually a tetanus booster is needed every 10 years, up to a normal maximum of 5 for lifetime cover. Your healthcare provider can advise you whether this is needed for your trip to Cambodia based on your personal vaccination record.

Malaria protection

The final health precaution recommended to everyone travelling to affected areas is around malaria. Malaria is not present everywhere in Cambodia, but if you’re heading to an area where it may be found, you’ll need to take anti-malarials to ensure you’re not at risk of this potentially fatal disease. Even if you’re not in a malaria area, taking precautions against insect bites is essential as other mosquito borne diseases like dengue can still be an issue.

Other Cambodia travel vaccinations to consider

Here’s a roundup of some other Cambodia vaccines which may be suggested to specific travellers:

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is another viral infection which can damage your liver. It’s often passed through infected blood and blood products, or other bodily fluids. Hepatitis B vaccination might be recommended if you’re a long term traveller, participate in risky activities, or if you may need medical or dental treatment during your stay.

Rabies

Rabies is a fairly well known - and almost always fatal - disease that’s contracted if you’re bitten, scratched or otherwise in contact with an infected animal. Vaccination is not required for everyone, but it will probably be recommended if you’re working with animals, and is sometimes advised for children who may be more likely to be bitten or scratched when with animals.

Cambodia travel vaccinations for specific high risk groups

A couple of other vaccines may be recommended under specific circumstances - usually cholera and Japanese encephalitis. Cholera is passed through contaminated water or food, and may be recommended for aid workers or people working in healthcare who may come into contact with infected patients. Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito borne disease - vaccination may be advised for long stay travellers in rural areas.

Health Tips for Travelling to Cambodia

Serious illness is not the most common issue you’ll run into when travelling. Less serious problems are far more prevalent - but can still put a dampener on your trip to Cambodia. Here are a few more common sense health tips to follow:

• Drink bottled water and don’t have ice in your drinks unless you trust the source
• Be wary of food hygiene - particularly when eating street food, or at night markets
• Dengue and Zika - both spread by mosquitoes - can be a risk, making it worth trying to avoid insect bites. Use a DEET based repellent and cover up with long sleeves and trousers
• Use sun protection and stay hydrated to avoid burning or getting sunstroke

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 18-July-2024