Do I need injections for Thialand?

Question

I'm traveling to Thialand for 12 days on my way to Aus from Ireland. Do I need to get any Injections before I go?

Answer 1

As you will see from the answers you have already gotten, people will range from telling you that you need vaccinations against avian flu (for which there IS no vaccine as well as no currently serious threat) to telling you that anyone who ever gets a vaccine is crazy (and I don't see anything particularly relevant to the question of vaccines on the web page cited, http://www.bkkapt.com/). The true answer is somewhere in the middle and should be based on medical facts and common sense.

The USA Centers for disease control recommends that people visiting Thailand visit their doctors to discuss risks of illness as well as risks and benefits of various vaccines. The Australian gov't also has a web page with this type of recommendation,but I don't see it at the moment. (See references, below.)

In terms of what kind of doctor to see, try to see an infectious disease expert. Some doctors up in the cold climate where you are from don't know too much about tropical diseases! Thus, it would be best if you could set up even a telephone consult with an infectious disease specialist who has some training in this type of medicine. In a pinch, your ordinary GP will do, though. The main thing is to get someone who either knows the stuff already or is willing to look up the information they don't know.

The USA Center for disease control web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm#vaccines says you might want to consider the following vaccines, based on risk of exposure: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and typhoid, as well as boosters for tetanus and measles. Some of these vaccines must be given in doses well ahead of time and / or in multiple doses spaced out over a period of weeks or months, so it may be too late for you to consider some of the vaccines. Many people also go on antimalarials, while others do not.

Some of your decision must be based not only on what vaccines are available and on if there is time to get them, but also on risk. For instance, if you don't go into malaria prone areas, then you probably don't need to be on antimalarials. (Although, to be safe, you should always spray yourself with a mosquito repellent containing deet since windows are always open in Thailand, mozzies are always out, and their bites hurt!) Whether to get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis probably depends more on whether there has been an outbreak in the vicinity of where you will be traveling and what the risk might be (probably very minimal risk). If you don't engage in sex or use needles, then your risk from Hep B would be very low.

Almost anywhere you go in Southeast Asia, it would be risky to drink non-boiled water or to eat unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Plus, while hospitals in Bangkok can be world class, you don't want to get stuck up in a hospital in Mae Hong Son. Therefore, my own judgment is that it is prudent to consider at least a few jabs but particularly for Hep A and typhoid, both of which are carried by contaminated food and water. As a general health precaution, do as the locals do: don't eat unpeeled fruits and veggies, don't eat salads, and don't eat cooked food unless you can see it's really fresh and steaming hot!

Humans in this country have acquired avian influenza from birds. It is highly unlikely that you would be infected since you will not be slaughtering birds in a bird market or plucking sick chickens. However, a precautionary measure is to eat only thoroughly cooked eggs (no runny yellow) and make sure any chicken meat is well done (no pink). And of course stay away from any sick birds and wash your hands a lot.

I'm one of the people who has lived and traveled in SE Asia for a couple of years and never gotten sick. But anybody who says "it didn't happen to me, THEREFORE there is no risk" would be a fool, IMO. You just do what you can to be smart and minimize the risk and realize that you need to be prudent. And while you are at it, speaking of minimizing risk, don't go out being stupid: don't use drugs, don't have sex with locals and don't pick any barfights with Thais. Let's just say, you don't want to find out the hard way that there are risks besides malaria.

But have fun! I find the Thais to be warm, generous, and lovely people. Enough of them speak English that you can get around with a phrasebook. It will be really, really hot for someone from Ireland. You probably aren't used to drinking as much water as you will need to keep from getting heat stroke (8 - 12 glasses per day whether you feel thirsty or not), you're probably not used to using as much sunscreen as you'll need to protect skin from tropical sun. Wear a hat to keep sun off your head. And be sure to take some clothes you can use to cover up skin when you visit temples. With basic precautions and common sense, it would be impossible not to enjoy Thailand!

Answer 2

You should seriously consider shots for Hep A and Typhoid.

I seriously doubt about dengue fever and TB. I have travelled to Thailand many times and never been advised to have injections for them. But if your travels on the way to Thailand involved African countries, then you will have to have it.

Some people take Malaria tablets before they go there, but generally, if you are definitely staying in the city and not going to the country area or near the jungle, you might not need it.

Consult your doctor as they will have a list of what is needed or "recommended"

Answer 3

Hey, when the kids get out of school in June that also is the time when the price of plane tickets from the US to overseas locations also increase in price! Kids out of school for the summer prices rise - kids go back to school in September - prices go lower (usually!) If you leave in late May the price may be cheaper than waiting until June. But this doesn't mean you won't find a "good deal" every now and then. Visit a local travel agency and see where you have to fly from for Iowa. Info from a couple travel agencies in your home town is free and you do not have to commit anything either. Always have a flexible departure date. Choose a date to leave on and then check the prices before and after that date for price changes. Sometimes leaving on holidays or weekends cost more. Plus you have to consider local transportation charges to the airport. Good luck.

Answer 4

Gosh, some of the posts scare me away and I have traveled there for years...going again this Dec. The only injections you need, and you will need plenty of them....are in your Wallet!!!!!!!
relax, enjoy....there are no greater risk than in any other country to include your own.....you will probably run a greater risk getting ran over by a cat than you do catching a disease, unless you are traveling up-country and doing some hard living.

Answer 5

Not really, there is no need. You will be alright. Just have anti-malaria pills with you for the pesky mossies. If you like, you an buy them over the counter at any pharmacy in Thailand too. Just enjoy your stay.

Answer 6

yep for dengue fever, malaria, bird flu, TB, meningitis. As they say prevention is better than cure

Answer 7

Simple answer: No.

Been here 5 years, never had any problems.

Answer 8

the ones who reply yes are idiots

Answer 9

yes, a vaccine for correct spelling~ ^^"

Answer 10

no