Vaccinations for Thailand

Whether it’s Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or the islands, make sure you’re protected before you go. While there are no vaccinations required for Thailand entry from New Zealand, several are strongly recommended. Thailand is a tropical country with health risks very different to home, and even a short holiday can expose you to food, water and mosquito-borne illnesses.

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Here are the recommended vaccines for Thailand that our travel doctors most commonly advise for New Zealanders:

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Hepatitis A (Hep A)

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Hep A in Thailand is a significant risk, making this the most commonly recommended vaccine for travellers. The virus spreads easily through contaminated food and water, and Thai street food – while incredible – does carry a higher risk than restaurant dining. A single dose provides rapid protection, with a booster for long-term immunity.

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Hepatitis B (Hep B)

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Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It’s recommended for travellers who may be exposed through medical treatment, tattoos, piercings or sexual contact while overseas.  Thailand has relatively high rates of Hepatitis B. Your doctor can check whether your childhood vaccination still provides adequate protection.

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Typhoid

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Typhoid is linked to contaminated food and water and is particularly recommended if you plan to eat outside major hotel restaurants, explore local markets or travel to more rural parts of Thailand. The vaccine is available as an injection or oral capsules.

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Rabies

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Rabies in Thailand is a serious risk – the country has one of the highest rates in Southeast Asia. Stray dogs are found throughout the country, from cities to beaches to rural areas. Monkeys at temple sites are also common carriers. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making pre-exposure vaccination an important consideration, especially for families with children and anyone heading to rural or island destinations.

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Tetanus and Diphtheria

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Ensure your tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Thailand. A booster is recommended if your last dose was more than ten years ago. Motorbike injuries, coral cuts and animal scratches are common among travellers.

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Japanese Encephalitis

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Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne virus present in rural parts of Thailand, particularly in rice-growing areas. The risk is highest during the rainy season (May to October). Vaccination is recommended for longer stays, repeated travel or visits to rural areas.

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For most New Zealanders visiting popular tourist destinations – Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai city, Krabi and Pattaya – malaria tablets for Thailand are generally not required.

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However, malaria risk increases in border regions, particularly along the Myanmar and Cambodia borders, and in forested rural areas. If your itinerary includes trekking in northern hill tribes or visiting border towns, our travel doctors may recommend antimalarial medication.

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Note: there is no malaria vaccine currently available for travellers – prevention involves prescription malaria tablets for Thailand prescribed during your consultation.

Thai street food is a highlight of visiting the country, but it can also cause illness for unprepared travellers. Your travel doctor can prescribe standby antibiotics and anti-nausea medication to take with you.

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Practical tips: choose busy food stalls where turnover is high, eat food cooked fresh and served hot, drink sealed bottled water and be cautious with ice. Wash your hands frequently before eating.

We recommend booking your pre-travel consultation 6–8 weeks before departure. This gives time for multi-dose vaccines needed for Thailand to reach full effectiveness. If you need jabs for Thailand at short notice, we can still help – many vaccines provide useful protection quickly.

Your consultation costs $139 per person and covers a thorough review of your Thailand travel plans, personalised vaccine recommendations, any prescriptions you need and detailed health advice. Vaccines are charged separately with transparent per-dose pricing discussed during your appointment.

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Please bring your travel plans, any existing vaccination records, a list of current medications and your passport.