Vietnam without Vaccinations – The country is a beautiful place full of some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. From the much-loathed Hanoi, traffic jams to the peaceful villages lying up the mountains and pristine beaches have come to define the country. Such features have elevated the country and made it an international player in matters related to tourism. However, just like any other country, there are the basics that one should ensure they have or understand to ensure their health safety as they transverse the country.
Different countries lie in different zones, which means that diseases vary. As such, questions regarding vaccinations are common for people planning to visit Vietnam. Vietnam does not have compulsory vaccinations, especially for tourists from Western Europe, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Below are more details on shots for Vietnam.
Click here to read about things to know before traveling to Vietnam
Understanding Vaccination
The terms shots and immunizations can be used interchangeably to refer to the basic process. The terms apply to the introduction of a substance to a person’s body mostly through injections and sometimes orally. The main aim of this process is to encourage the body to produce the necessary antibodies that usually help fight certain diseases.
Why is Vaccination Necessary When Traveling?
Traveling to Vietnam without vaccinations?! Traveling to new places means exposing oneself to diseases that might not exist in your country of origin. Hence, vaccinations are necessary to ensure that your body is set to fight such diseases. For example, most countries in Europe and North America have almost non-existent cases of malaria. However, malaria is a common condition for tropical countries, which leads to numerous deaths throughout the year. Vietnam is one of these countries. Luckily though, one can travel from Europe and North America to other parts of the world without fear of contracting malaria due to vaccinations. As a result, most countries have a list of what shots one should consider, with extreme cases asking for proof.
Common Diseases in Vietnam
Just like any other country in the world, Vietnam is facing the challenge of containing Coronavirus or Covid-19 as it is being referred commonly to. The disease started in Wuhan, China, with Vietnam recording its 20th cases as of March 8, 2020. This condition has seen the country enhance its screening services at most entry points such as airports.
Although Coronavirus cannot be prevented via injections, one needs vaccinations against a host of other diseases such as malaria, which is spread by mosquitos. For most short term travelers, the usually recommended shots include tetanus, mumps, measles, and other forms of childhood diseases. Also, it is possible for people to take vaccinations against water-borne diseases such as Hepatitis A.
Vietnam is also recording notable rabies activities. The disease is spread via bites from animals preventable such as cats, rodents, and dogs, and it is preventable using vaccines. In case of an attack from a suspected infected animal, it is possible to receive retroactive shots.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
Most people are fond of last-minute dashes; however, this might compromise your travel arrangements or cause you to have an ineffective injection. As such, one should make sure they consult the relevant authorities or visit their doctors for further advice. This should be done between the 6-8 weeks prior to the scheduled visit.
Vaccinations Required for Vietnam
The country only requires proof of immunization against yellow fever for tourists from countries prone to the condition. There are no other forms of injections that are needed for the country; however, other shots are recommended for some tourists. Hence, one should consult with their doctors for further guidance on necessary vaccinations depending on one’s lifestyle and travel plans.
