Essential Protection for Students in Vietnam

By Dr. Jonathan - Family Medical Practice Vietnam

Every year, schools across Vietnam host outdoor camps that take students to national parks, rural provinces, riversides, and forested areas. These experiences encourage independence and teamwork — but they also expose children to environments where certain infectious diseases are more common.

Many expat families are surprised to learn that vaccinations recommended for urban living may not be enough for jungle-bound or rural school trips. At Family Medical Practice Vietnam, we regularly support international schools with pre-camp health checks, vaccination reviews, and travel-health counselling.
Below is a clear guide to help parents understand what vaccines are recommended — and why.

1. Routine Vaccinations: Ensure They Are Up to Date

Before discussing camp-specific vaccines, it is essential that children are fully up to date with the national routine schedule:

• MMR (Measles–Mumps–Rubella)
• Diphtheria–Tetanus–Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
• Polio
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A (commonly recommended for Vietnam)

Schools often require documentation of these vaccines. If there are gaps, FMP doctors can help create a catch-up schedule before camp.

2. Tetanus Booster – Recommended for All Camp Participants

Outdoor activities increase the risk of cuts, scrapes, or soil-contaminated wounds. A tetanus booster (Td or Tdap) is recommended if the child has not had one in the last 5–10 years.

3. Typhoid Vaccine – Strongly Recommended for Rural Camps

Typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food or water, which can happen more easily in rural travel settings. The vaccine is recommended for:

• Camps outside major cities
• Activities involving local food or homestays
• River or trekking camps

Typhoid vaccination is given as a single injection and lasts for 3 years.

4. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) – Often Overlooked, but Very Important

This is the most commonly missed protection among expat families.

Japanese Encephalitis is transmitted by mosquitoes, especially in rural and semi-rural areas with rice fields, farms, or bodies of water — exactly the type of environment many school camps visit.

School trips involving:

• Trekking
• Jungle exploration
• Farming/eco-tour activities
• Overnight stays near fields or lakes

…all carry an increased risk.

Recommendation:

• Children who have not completed the full 2-dose JE vaccine series
• Children new to Vietnam
• Students attending multi-day outdoor camps

5. Rabies – Consider for High-Exposure Activities

Rabies exists in Vietnam, and exposure may occur through:

• Stray dogs in rural areas
• Bats in caves
• Outdoor animal encounters

A pre-exposure rabies vaccine is not required for every child, but may be recommended for camps that involve caving, wildlife interaction, or remote trekking where medical care is far away.

6. Influenza Vaccine – Recommended Annually

Flu outbreaks are common among groups of students travelling together. The influenza vaccine helps reduce:

• Fever/cough illness during camp
• Post-camp outbreaks in classrooms
• Disruption to learning and family schedules

7. Additional Considerations for Teenagers

Depending on age, some schools also recommend:

• Meningococcal vaccine (adolescents, especially for dorm-style sleeping arrangements)
• HPV vaccine (not camp-specific but important for age groups 9–14). At FMP, we usually start vaccinating at 12 and over
• Dengue vaccine – QDENGA: For children 4 years and older (2 doses, 3 months apart). Even a single dose offers meaningful protection.

8. When Should Parents Plan the Vaccinations?

Ideally:

• 2–4 weeks before camp for maximum protection

JE, typhoid, and rabies may require scheduling, so early preparation is best.

9. FMP Support for Schools and Parents

Family Medical Practice Vietnam offers:

• Camp-readiness vaccination checks
• JE, typhoid, tetanus, rabies, and influenza vaccinations
• Medical clearance certificates
• Pre-camp travel health advice

If you are unsure whether your child is fully protected, our doctors can review their vaccination history and recommend any necessary updates.

Takeaway for Parents

Vietnam’s school camps are memorable and enriching — and with the right vaccinations, they are also safe.
The key message: routine vaccines alone are not enough for rural, nature-based camps. JE and typhoid are especially important for expat families who may not be aware of local risks.

Preparing early ensures peace of mind so your child can focus on learning, exploring, and having fun.

Dr. Jonathan Halevy is a pediatrician with extensive international training and experience. A graduate of Tel Aviv University’s prestigious Sackler School of Medicine, he has developed deep expertise in caring for children’s health across a wide range of pediatric conditions. Dr. Halevy provides comprehensive pediatric consultations, preventive care, and guidance to support children’s growth and wellbeing. He is known for engaging with parents through educational talks and resources to help families make informed health decisions for their children.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCMC, Ha Noi and Đa Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services.

Visit FMP Diamond Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City to consult with Dr. Jonathan Halevy.

To book an appointment, please call (028) 3822 7848 (FMP - Diamond Plaza) email hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com