Thailand Vaccines 2026: Which Ones You Actually Need

I moved to Thailand without thinking much about vaccines. I had done plenty of research on visas, apartments, and cost of living. But vaccines? That was a gap in my preparation. About a month into living in Bangkok, I realized that was a mistake and booked an appointment to fix it.

Thailand has food and waterborne illness risks that most Western countries simply do not have. The street food is incredible, and eating it is one of the best parts of living here. But the sanitation standards across the supply chain are different from what you are used to back home. Mosquito-borne diseases are a real concern too, especially once you leave Bangkok for the islands or northern Thailand.

I got three vaccines at Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis. I booked an appointment in advance, sat down with a travel medicine doctor, and walked out an hour later with all three shots done. No side effects from any of them. Just peace of mind.

The Three Vaccines I Got (and Why)

These are the three vaccines that both the CDC and WHO recommend for travelers to Thailand. They cover the two biggest risk categories: contaminated food/water and mosquito-borne illness.

Hepatitis A

What it is: A viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. You can catch it from eating food prepared by someone who is infected, drinking contaminated water, or eating raw shellfish from polluted water.

Why it matters in Thailand: Street food, ice, unwashed produce, food handlers. Even in nice restaurants, the supply chain touches less controlled environments. The virus can survive on surfaces and in water, so it is not just about the final cooking step.

The vaccine: Two doses for long-term protection. The second dose comes 6 to 12 months after the first. A single dose gives you protection for about a year, which is enough to cover you while you schedule the follow-up.

Who needs it: Everyone visiting Thailand who has not been vaccinated. This is the number one recommended vaccine for Thailand travel. Both the CDC and WHO strongly recommend it for all travelers to the region.

Typhoid

What it is: A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, and headache. It can be serious if untreated.

Why it matters in Thailand: Same transmission route as Hepatitis A. Street food and local restaurants are where most travelers eat, and you cannot tell if food is contaminated just by looking at it or smelling it. Busy, popular stalls are generally safer because of high turnover, but no method is foolproof.

The vaccine: Two options. The injectable version is a single shot that protects for about 2 years. The oral version is 4 capsules taken over a week, protecting for about 5 years. The injectable version is more common at Thai hospitals, and that is what I got.

Who needs it: Anyone eating outside of major international hotel restaurants. So, basically everyone. This is especially important if you plan to eat street food regularly, which you absolutely should because it is delicious.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

What it is: A viral brain infection spread by Culex mosquitoes. These are not the same mosquitoes that carry dengue. JE mosquitoes breed in rice paddies and stagnant water and are most active at dusk and dawn.

Why it matters in Thailand: The virus is present throughout rural Thailand and even in some Bangkok suburbs. Rice paddies and farming areas carry the highest risk. Most infections cause no symptoms or mild illness, but severe cases can cause brain swelling, and the fatality rate for symptomatic cases is significant.

The vaccine: Two doses, 28 days apart. Protection lasts at least a few years, with a potential booster recommended for continued risk. You need both doses for full protection, so plan accordingly.

Who needs it: Long-term residents, anyone spending time outside Bangkok, and anyone staying near rural or agricultural areas. Tourists on a two-week Bangkok and beach trip have lower risk, but it is still worth considering. I got this one because I am living here long-term and travel around the country regularly.

Other Vaccines to Consider

These are not vaccines I personally got, but they are worth knowing about depending on your situation and travel plans.

• Hepatitis B: Transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. Recommended if you do not already have it. Many adults already have this from standard childhood vaccination schedules. Check your records before paying for another round.
• Rabies (pre-exposure): Consider this if you will spend time in rural areas or around animals. Thailand has stray dogs everywhere, even in Bangkok. The pre-exposure vaccine does not eliminate the need for post-exposure treatment if bitten, but it buys you critical time to get to a hospital. The downside: it requires 3 doses and is expensive.
• Dengue: There is no widely available vaccine for travelers yet. Prevention comes down to mosquito avoidance: repellent, long sleeves at dusk and dawn, and staying in places with screens or AC. Dengue mosquitoes (Aedes) bite during the day, unlike the JE mosquitoes that are active at dusk and dawn.
• Routine vaccines: Make sure your standard vaccines are up to date before any international travel. MMR, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Polio, and Varicella. Your primary care doctor can check what you are missing.

Tourists vs. Long-Term Residents

Not everyone needs the same vaccines. Your length of stay and what you plan to do in Thailand determine the priority level.

I am a long-term resident, so I went with the full set of Hep A, Typhoid, and JE. If you are visiting for two weeks and staying in Bangkok and beach resorts, Hep A and Typhoid are the priority. Japanese Encephalitis becomes more important the longer you stay and the more time you spend outside major cities.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Thailand

You do not need to get vaccinated before you arrive. Every major hospital in Thailand offers travel vaccines, and the quality is world-class. I got mine at Bumrungrad, one of the most well-known international hospitals in Southeast Asia. It was a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.

Getting Vaccinated at a Thai Hospital

• Book an appointment in advance at the travel medicine or preventive medicine clinic. Walk-ins may be possible, but scheduling ahead ensures you do not waste time waiting.
• Bring your passport and any vaccination records you have. The doctor will want to know what you have already received to avoid unnecessary duplicates.
• The doctor will review your history and recommend what you need based on your plans in Thailand. They see international patients every day and know exactly which vaccines are relevant.
• You can usually get multiple vaccines in one visit. I got all three of mine in a single appointment. The whole visit took about an hour including the consultation.
• Side effects: I had none from any of the three vaccines. Some people report mild soreness at the injection site or slight fatigue, but serious reactions are rare.

Major Hospitals with Travel Medicine Clinics

• Bumrungrad International Hospital (Sukhumvit Soi 3): Where I went. World-renowned, English-speaking staff, and the building feels more like a luxury hotel than a hospital. Slightly more expensive than other options, but the experience is seamless.
• Bangkok Hospital (Soi Soonvijai): Another top-tier international hospital with a dedicated travel medicine department. Similar quality to Bumrungrad.
• Samitivej Hospital (Sukhumvit Soi 49): Popular with expats and has a good travel medicine department. Often slightly cheaper than Bumrungrad for the same services.
• MedConsult or standalone travel clinics: Smaller clinics that specialize in travel medicine. These are often cheaper than the big hospitals and the doctors are just as knowledgeable.

Beyond Vaccines: Staying Healthy in Thailand

Vaccines handle the big risks, but day-to-day health in Thailand is mostly about common sense and adapting to the climate.

• Water: Never drink tap water. Bottled water costs 7 to 15 THB everywhere and is the standard here. Ice in restaurants is made from purified water and is safe. Street food ice is also generally safe if it comes in tubes or cylindrical shapes, which means it was factory-made.
• Food: Street food is generally safe if the stall is busy. High turnover means fresh food. Avoid anything that has been sitting out for hours. The heat is the enemy, not the cooking method.
• Mosquitoes: Use repellent, especially at dusk and dawn. Bangkok has fewer mosquitoes than rural areas or islands. Your condo will likely have screens or AC, and mosquitoes do not like air conditioning.
• Sun and heat: Dehydration and heat exhaustion are bigger daily risks than any disease. Drink water constantly. March through May is brutal. Carry a water bottle and do not underestimate the midday sun.
• Pharmacies: Boots and Fascino pharmacies are everywhere in Bangkok. Many medications that require prescriptions in the US are available over the counter in Thailand. If you get sick, a pharmacist can often help without a doctor visit.

For more on medical costs and coverage, see the Thailand health insurance guide. International providers like Cigna Global and Allianz Care offer comprehensive coverage that includes private hospital visits at places like Bumrungrad.

Curious about general safety? Research Thailand safety tips for a full breakdown of what to watch out for and what not to worry about.

Planning your budget? The cost of living in Thailand guide covers what you will actually spend each month.