Vaccinations for Thailand: What you should know before you go

Thailand is a hotbed for tourists from abroad. If you’re traveling from the US, Britain, or Australia, there are usually no compulsory vaccinations required before you visit the country. That said, if you’re visiting Thailand on holiday, you still want to be prepared for exposure to new climates, foods, and bacteria. You can take certain measures to strengthen your system against contracting infectious disease. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Immunisations, shots, vaccinations, is there a difference? What are they really?

Immunisation is the overall process of making your body more immune to a certain disease. The process consists of exposing yourself to a small dose of the disease through a shot or jab usually administered in your arm, leg, or other substantial body part. The vaccine is contained in that shot, and it will go into your body and help it develop antibodies that fight against that disease. This immunisation process essentially trains your body to adapt to fighting a certain disease, so that when you encounter it in real life, you’re ready. Some immunisations occur over time, through several rounds of shots of a vaccine. Some only require one visit to the doctor or clinic.

Why should I get vaccinated if I’m travelling?

The process of vaccinating large swathes of the population is now a proven method for fighting the spread of infectious disease. Some countries require certain vaccines for foreign visitors, because the risk of disease-contraction is so high. Other countries don’t require them for foreigners, but will still recommend them.

When you travel, you expose yourself to unfamiliar diseases and bacteria. You may not be used to the climate, the temperatures, the food, and the wildlife you’ll encounter. Vaccinations help you fight that vulnerability by making you stronger. When you’re first exposed to these unfamiliar elements in a controlled way, your body develops coping methodologies for self-protection.

Vaccinations also protect the people around you, once you return home from your trip. You don’t want to carry a disease back home with you and spread it to your community. So think of getting vaccinated as an altruistic act that protects those in your community with weaker immune systems, like newborns and the elderly.

What are some recent disease or virus outbreaks in Thailand or Southeast Asia that I should be prepared for?

Thailand has recently noted cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Common symptoms of this disease, which is still quite mysterious, include fever, cough, pneumonia, and shortness of breath. The disease is very dangerous but can be treated in an isolation ward.

Thailand is also known as one of the 22 countries that has a high tuberculosis (TB) burden. Health personnel are trained to diagnose and treat TB, but it’s still a good reason to be up-to-date on your normal course of vaccinations before you enter the country.

Just like most climates with mosquitoes, Thailand has seen cases of mosquito-borne Zika virus. If you’re pregnant or trying, you might want to put off your trip to Thailand until afterwards. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the risks of Zika, which can cause serious birth defects. Protect yourself against Zika in the same way you protect yourself against mosquitoes - by wearing long sleeves, using bug spray, and sleeping with air conditioning. Zika can also be contracted sexually, so use protection during and directly after your trip.

Make sure to generally practice careful hygiene in Thailand. Even if you’re eating, drinking, and sleeping in nice hotels, you’re still vulnerable to disease. So wash your hands frequently, don’t eat undercooked food, avoid tap water, avoid mosquitoes, and bring a small medical kit for emergencies.

When should I get vaccinated?

You’ll usually want to get organised six weeks before your trip. Visit your doctor and make sure you’re up-to-date on all your vaccinations. You’ll usually need to be vaccinated within four weeks of your trip.

If I travel to Thailand, what vaccinations and shots are required or do I need?

Unless otherwise advised, you’re not required to obtain vaccinations for Thailand if you’re British, American, or Australian. But, some vaccinations are recommended, depending on your situation. Some regions, itineraries, and times of the year can contribute to falling ill. Think about looking into the following vaccinations:

When is the best time to travel to Thailand?

Thailand is temperate throughout the year, but the cooler, drier season lasts from November through early April. The south is drier in winter months, with the lowest rainfall being in January and February, and the highest in November. Drier weather reduces the likelihood of falling ill, as it’s not germs’ or bacterias favourite environment. While you’ll never completely avoid them, plan to go in winter to lower the risk of disease contraction.

What if I get sick while I’m in Thailand? Who do I call for an emergency?

Because Thailand is so tourist-friendly, you’ll have options if you get sick or in case of an emergency. Following are some useful phone numbers and websites you can try:

• 1155 - for tourist police
• 191 - for general emergency calls to police
• 1554 - for ambulance and rescue services
• 199 - for fire
• 02 586 7654 - for private air ambulance
• British Embassy of Thailand
• U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Thailand
• Australian Embassy of Thailand

Millions of tourists visit Thailand each year, and most of them make it through their time without major problems. While traveling is never risk-free, if you’re careful and know what you’re in for, you’re more likely to be safe throughout your trip.