The end of the year is a period when Thai people commonly travel abroad, whether to Asian regions such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, as well as Europe, or to explore nature and wildlife in Africa. When planning to travel abroad, besides preparing plans regarding the destination, activities, clothing, and equipment suitable for the country’s weather, another important aspect not to be overlooked is “protecting oneself from illness during travel,” which includes preparing regular medications as well as vaccinations to prevent diseases.
Vaccines… an immune booster for travelers
If you are wondering which vaccines you need before traveling… you need to understand this part. Currently, vaccines for travelers are divided into two categories: “required vaccines” and “recommended vaccines based on suitability.” It is advisable to get vaccinated at least 6-8 weeks before traveling to ensure comprehensive disease protection before departure.
- Required vaccines before travel (Required vaccine) are vaccines that travelers must receive before traveling, according to international health regulations (WHO IHR). Currently, there is only one required vaccine: the yellow fever vaccine. Travelers going to areas with yellow fever outbreaks, such as countries in Africa and South America, must receive this vaccine at least 10 days before traveling.
- Recommended vaccines for travelers based on suitability (Recommended vaccine for travelers) These vaccines are recommended for certain travelers or groups based on suitability. Doctors will consider various factors such as the risk level of infection in the destination country or area, the duration of stay, activities planned (e.g., work, study, or tourism), as well as the traveler’s health and the disease itself.
Vaccines required before traveling/tourism abroad
| No. |
Vaccine |
Who is it suitable for? |
| 1 |
Typhoid vaccine
(Typhoid vaccine) |
- Recommended for those traveling to South Asian countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, where there is a high risk of typhoid infection.
|
| 2 |
Rabies vaccine |
- Although this vaccine is mostly used post-exposure, travelers going to remote areas or other developing countries should get vaccinated to reduce risk.
|
| 3 |
Hepatitis A vaccine
(Hepatitis A vaccine) |
- This disease is transmitted through contaminated food or water. Most patients, especially children, are asymptomatic, but symptoms can be severe in adults and the elderly.
- Recommended for travelers to high-risk countries, including Asian countries, especially South Asia, as well as countries in Africa and South America.
- This vaccine requires 2 doses, 6-12 months apart, to be effective in disease prevention.
|
| 4 |
Meningococcal vaccine
(Meningococcal vaccine) |
- Recommended for travelers to Africa, especially areas known as the Meningitis belt, such as Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, etc.
- Thai students going to study in Europe and America are required to receive this vaccine, especially if they will live in dormitories.
- Those going on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia must receive this vaccine as it is a mandatory requirement before entering for pilgrimage.
|
| 5 |
Cholera vaccine |
- Recommended for travelers going to areas with cholera outbreaks, or those working in refugee camps, public health officials, or relief workers assisting people in remote areas.
|
| 6 |
Influenza vaccine |
- Influenza is found worldwide, especially in Europe and America.
- Recommended for travelers going to crowded places or events with large gatherings, such as pilgrims, sports events, or festivals.
|
| 7 |
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine (DTP) |
- All travelers must have received the DTP vaccine. For children under 7 years and adults, after completing the 3-dose series (first dose on a convenient day, second dose 1 month later, third dose 6 months after the first), a dT booster is recommended every 10 years. One dose of Tdap or Tdap-IPV may be used instead of dT once.
|
| 8 |
Hepatitis B vaccine (HB) |
- It is recommended to check immunity before vaccination. If no immunity is found, vaccination with 3 doses is advised: first dose on a convenient day, second dose 1 month later, and third dose 6 months after the first.
- If no immunity is found but travel is imminent, an accelerated schedule can be used: first dose on a convenient day, second dose 7 days later, and third dose 21 days after the first. This schedule completes 3 doses within 3 weeks but requires a 4th booster dose after 1 year to maintain long-term immunity.
|
| 9 |
Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine (MMR) |
- If you have never received this vaccine or have never been naturally infected (or are unsure), you should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine 4 weeks apart before traveling, without the need for immunity testing before vaccination.
- Recommended for travelers to developing countries.
|
| 10 |
Polio vaccine
(OPV, IPV) |
- Recommended for travelers to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Africa.
- Most Thais receive polio vaccine in childhood as part of the Ministry of Public Health’s immunization program, and immunity is believed to last a lifetime. However, if traveling to polio outbreak areas, a booster dose may be considered.
|
| 11 |
Japanese Encephalitis vaccine (JE) |
- Most Thais have already received this vaccine, but if not and traveling abroad, an accelerated 3-dose schedule is recommended: first dose on a convenient day, second dose 7 days later, and third dose 28 days after the first. Alternatively, a single dose of the live attenuated CD-JE VaxTM vaccine, which is increasingly popular among travelers due to its high efficacy and safety, can be given to provide long-lasting protection.
|
| 12 |
Pneumococcal vaccine (Pnc) |
- Currently, there are two types of pneumococcal vaccines:
- Conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13), covering 13 pneumococcal strains
- Polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23), covering 23 pneumococcal strains
- Travelers with chronic underlying diseases at high risk of infection should receive one dose of PCV13.
- If PPSV23 is desired, one dose should be given with a booster every 5 years.
|
| 13 |
Yellow fever vaccine |
- Everyone traveling to countries in Africa and South America must carry a vaccination certificate for immigration or visa purposes.
- The yellow fever vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
|
Because modern fast travel allows infectious diseases or epidemics to spread rapidly across continents, vaccination to prepare the body helps prevent and reduce the severity of diseases. Travel confidently with your family next time. Don’t forget to check your own and your travel companions’ vaccination status to ensure you have received the appropriate vaccines as recommended by doctors, as well as undergo a health check before traveling, so your trip will be smooth and enjoyable without interruptions.
