Which vaccines do you need for Philippines?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- ChikungunyaVaccine may be considered for some travellers during outbreaks or long stays; bite avoidance is key.
- CholeraFor aid or disaster work, outbreak areas, or very limited access to safe water and medical care.
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Japanese encephalitisFor longer or rural stays and outdoor activity in areas and seasons with transmission.
- Measles (MMR)Make sure you have had two doses of MMR, or are otherwise immune.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
Entry requirements and certificates
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Proof of polio vaccination may be requested from some travellers, particularly those arriving from countries where polio is circulating.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Philippines
Transmission risk
No yellow fever transmission risk is listed for Philippines.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is not generally recommended for Philippines itself.
Certificate
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Malaria in Philippines
- Low risk
Low risk of malaria in rural areas of the Philippines below 600m and on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, and Palawan.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - No risk
No risk in cities or on the islands of Boracay, Bohol, Catanduanes, Cebu and Leyte.
Mosquito bite avoidance.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Altitude
- Biting insects or ticks
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Schistosomiasis
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Zika virus
What travellers to Philippines should consider
Island hopping can mean changes in mosquito exposure and long transfers away from larger hospitals. A Manila city stay should not be treated as equivalent to rural travel in Palawan or other islands. Your route and the accessibility of urgent care help shape a sensible consultation.
Malaria risk in Philippines is limited and uneven, so the exact places you visit matter more than the country name.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine may be considered for longer stays or rural, outdoor travel during transmission seasons.
Cholera vaccine is reserved for particular situations, such as humanitarian work or very limited access to safe water.
Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water where schistosomiasis is reported.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
- Provide the complete island itinerary.
- Plan care access for smaller islands and boat journeys.
- Take care with untreated drinking water.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Philippines?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.