Vaccinations for travelers and residents in Vietnam Family medical practice recommends the following:

For shorter stays (less than four weeks)

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can affect anyone. It is a liver disease, caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
Immunization is recommended, as Hepatitis A is easily contracted through contaminated food and infected food handlers. A series of vaccinations consists of two injections, separated by six months. You are considered immunized two weeks after the first shot; however, for long-lasting immunity, you should complete the second shot after six months.

Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid fever is not a tropical disease and is related to hygiene and sanitary conditions, rather than the climate itself.
A typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of Salmonella Typhi strains resistant to multiple anti-biotics in this region. It is found in many types of contaminated food and water. The typhoid vaccination consists of one vaccination, followed by a booster shot every three years.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a serious disease affecting the liver. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause lifelong infections, liver cancer, liver failure, and even death. The Virus is spread by contact with bodily fluids, such as semen, blood, vaginal and anal secretions, urine and saliva; or it can be caught by receiving a blood transfusion, or another medical product, contaminated with HBV.
Hepatitis B is now recommended for everyone, especially if you may be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or stay longer than six months in Asia. The Hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for all infants and for children who did not complete the Hepatitis B series as infants.
The primary Hepatitis B series consists of three shots: the first two injections should be one month apart and the third injection six months after the initial vaccination. More than 90% of people become immunized after the second shot; however, for long- lasting immunity, a third shot should be completed after six months. One booster shot is necessary every five years.

For longer stays (more than four weeks)

Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis is a viral disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis virus. It is transmitted by infected mosquito bites to humans, causing inflammation of the brain, leading to permanent brain damage, neurological defiencies and high mortality rates. Japanese Encephalitis is recommended only if you plan to visit rural areas for four weeks or more, except under special circumstances, such as known outbreaks of Japanese Encephalitis. All children staying in Vietnam for more than four weeks should be immunized against Japanese Encephalitis.
This consists of three shots: the first two vaccinations should be one week apart, and the third one, 28 days after the initial vaccination. One booster shot is recommended every three to four years.

Rabies (pre-exposure)
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus exists in the saliva of mammals and is transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human, by biting and/or scratching. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, and with the mouth, eyes, and nose.
A Rabies vaccination is recommended if you may be exposed to wild or domestic animals, through work or recreation. It consists of three shots: the first two injections should be from one to two weeks apart maximum and the third, 28 days after the initial injection.

BCG vaccine against Tuberculosis (TB)
(BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, derived from the two doctors who created the vaccine).
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, which usually affects the respiratory system. But TB can also affect any part of the body, such as the kidneys, spine and brain and can be fatal if not treated properly.
One vaccination is required for children under the age of five.
Other recommendations for booster doses for other vaccines, as required:

• Tetanus-Diphtheria every 10 years
• Polio every 10 yearsFlu shot (Influenza virus) annually

Due to Avian Flu, also known as Bird Flu, WHO recommends that the flu shot should be considered; please contact us regarding specific questions.Family Medical Practice offers the full range of vaccines recommended for traveling and living in Vietnam.

Consultations with the doctor regarding vaccinations are free of charge.

All the following vaccines are available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Danang at all times:
Flu shot, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Tetracoq, Act-HIB, BCG, Chickenpox, Polio, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Rabies, Meningoccocal A+C, MMR and more.