Risk / Health Info for Vietnam

What vaccinations do I need for Vietnam?

Our Canadian Travel Clinics advisers can help you make sure your shots are up to date, including your rabies and measles shots, before you leave for Vietnam. You should also consider vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, which are unpleasant food- and water-borne gastrointestinal illnesses.

If you are planning to visit Vietnam often or plan to stay a long time, or if you work in healthcare or dentistry, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. Children should also be protected from hep B, which is spread by contact with contaminated blood or body fluid. Other infection routes are unprotected sex, dirty needles (including for tattooing) and invasive medical procedures.

Rabies is present in Vietnam in animals such as dogs and bats. People who work with animals or enjoy activities such as caving or hiking should consider rabies shots, and so should children, who are especially vulnerable to getting bitten. Even if you have had your shot, get prompt medical attention for any bite or scratch.

You can also get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis, which is present in Vietnam, particularly around rice paddies.

What healthcare facilities are there in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s medical facilities are below Canadian standards, and limited outside Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon). Before you leave Canada, make sure you have travel insurance and sufficient funds to pay for treatment so consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

What about mosquito-borne illnesses in Vietnam?

In addition to Japanese encephalitis, other mosquito-borne illnesses are endemic in Vietnam including malaria, dengue fever and Zika. Women who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant might choose to avoid travelling to Vietnam. Protect yourself against bites by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, sing a reliable insect repellent, and sleeping under a net or in air-conditioned or screened accommodation. At least six weeks before you go to Vietnam, talk to your Canadian Travel Clinic adviser about anti-malaria pills and getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.

Other advice for travellers in Vietnam

Avoid against “travellers’ diarrhea” by making sure you drink commercially bottled water in Vietnam, including in your ice cubes, and sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled. Also stick to commercially produced rice wine and other beverages, as there have been reports of non-branded products containing lethal levels of methanol.

Altitude in Vietnam

Parts of Vietnam are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Vietnam

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Vietnam. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Vietnam

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Vietnam at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Vietnam

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Vietnam. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Vietnam. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.

Japanese encephalitis in Vietnam