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Travel health · sourced from ITM Antwerp

Vietnam

The vaccines usually advised for Vietnam when departing from Belgium, with the lead times to respect, based on the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM).

Yellow feverNot requiredMalariaLimited · by region
emmunity editorial team · sourced & datedLast updated 17 August 2026

Overview

Malaria is low-risk across the whole of Vietnam, including Phu Quoc island, and absent from the large cities. Dengue, chikungunya and zika are the more relevant everyday mosquito risks, and Japanese encephalitis circulates nationwide with a peak from May to October, especially in the north.

Recommended vaccines

VaccineCategoryWhen
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTPa)Recommendedkeep the booster current (every 10 years)
PolioRecommendedbooster for 16+ to Asia/Africa; sometimes compulsory (long stays)
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Recommendedbe up to date (2 doses) before departure
Hepatitis ARecommendedas early as possible (1st dose already protective)
Typhoid feverConsider≥14 days before departure
RabiesConsiderpre-exposure: 2 doses, start early enough
Hepatitis BConsiderstart early (multi-week schedule)
Japanese encephalitisConsider2 doses to complete before departure (long rural stays)

Malaria by region

Bite protection is advised across the low-risk country; if fever develops during or after the trip, get tested for malaria promptly.

Risk varies by region

Malaria risk is limited to certain regions, shown below.

Low risk

The whole country, including Phu Quoc island: bite protection advised.

No risk

The large cities.

Other health risks

Dengue
Dengue is present; protect against mosquito bites.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is present; protect against mosquito bites.
Zika
Zika is present, relevant mainly if you are or may become pregnant.
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is possible above about 2,500 m.
Tick-bite fever
Ticks can transmit disease; cover up and check for ticks after outdoor activity.
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs and other mammals; avoid contact and seek care after a bite.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is present; avoid prolonged close contact with unwell people in enclosed spaces.

Prepare your trip

8 weeks
Book a travel clinic
10 days
Yellow fever (if required)
Departure
Certificates & reminders ready

Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.

Frequently asked questions

Is any vaccine required for Vietnam?

No vaccine is required for entry. The vaccines on this page are recommended, not required.

Is there a malaria risk?

Malaria: risk limited to certain regions. Bite protection is advised across the low-risk country; if fever develops during or after the trip, get tested for malaria promptly.

How far ahead of departure should I start?

Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.

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Our sources

Last updated 17 August 2026

Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.

Entry formalities: see FPS Foreign Affairs ↗

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