Vaccinations and Travel Health for Living in Phuket

What is recommended

Guides say there are no compulsory vaccinations for most visitors, though a yellow fever certificate may be needed if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. Commonly recommended are up-to-date routine vaccines, including tetanus, diphtheria and MMR, plus hepatitis A and typhoid, with hepatitis B considered for longer stays. Rabies and Japanese encephalitis are usually recommended based on activities and length of stay. Japanese encephalitis risk is described as low in urban areas and resorts and higher in rural, agricultural areas, especially in the rainy season. Malaria tablets are generally not advised for Phuket itself.

Rabies

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is often suggested for long-term residents, children, runners, cyclists and anyone around animals, because it simplifies treatment after a bite. See the rabies guide for first aid and costs. Guides quote about 3,000 to 4,500 baht for three doses at a private hospital in Phuket, and some current schedules use fewer doses, so ask.

Costs and where to go

Vaccines are generally cheaper in Thailand than in many home countries. Public travel clinics in Bangkok publish price lists, for example a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis shot at several hundred baht and typhoid at about 500 baht in older figures, and private hospitals in Phuket charge more. Bangkok Hospital Phuket runs travel clinic services at several branches. Book at least four to six weeks before departure if you need multi-dose courses, and keep your records. See the hospital guide and the health and insurance guide.

Other health habits

• Dengue has no routine vaccine for most people, so mosquito avoidance matters. See the dengue guide.
• Food and water hygiene lowers typhoid and stomach risk. See the drinking water guide.
• Carry your vaccination record and any prescriptions. See the pharmacies guide.
• Ask your doctor about boosters for older residents. See the elderly care guide.