Which vaccines do you need for Vietnam?
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.
- 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.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Vietnam
Transmission risk
No yellow fever transmission risk is listed for Vietnam.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is not generally recommended for Vietnam itself.
Certificate
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Malaria in Vietnam
- Low risk
Low risk of malaria in the southern part of the country in the provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai, and Kon Tum, and other rural areas of Vietnam.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - No risk
No risk in large cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), the Red River delta, coastal areas north of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island.
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
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Zika virus
What travellers to Vietnam should consider
A route through Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh City is different from staying in forested highlands or remote border provinces. Motorbike travel, rural homestays and extended outdoor activities can add practical health risks. Describe these activities as well as the place names.
Malaria risk in Vietnam 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.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
- Discuss rural homestays and overnight trekking.
- Use safe food and water practices on long journeys.
- Wear a helmet and check insurance for motorbike activities.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Vietnam?
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.