Vaccines for Thailand, What to Know Before You Arrive
This isn’t a debate. Do what feels right for your family, but since you’re asking, here’s what we’ve learned after talking to doctors both here and abroad about vaccines for Thailand and what’s actually worth prioritising.
A quick note before anything else. Nothing on this page is medical advice. This is a summary of what’s worked for us and what doctors have told us directly, not a substitute for speaking to your own GP or a travel health clinic. Vaccine needs vary by individual health history, age, and how long you’re staying, so always confirm with a qualified provider before making a decision.
If You’re Coming From Abroad
Start the process around two months before your flight. In most countries, you can get vaccinated at your public health clinic or a dedicated travel medicine centre, and it’s usually not free, so it’s worth checking pricing in advance rather than being caught out at the appointment.
If You’re Already in Thailand
You can get vaccinated at any private hospital, such as Bangkok Hospital Phuket, or at a smaller clinic, including one we’ve used ourselves in Rawai. Whichever you choose, it’s worth calling ahead to confirm they actually have the specific vaccine in stock before you turn up, since availability can be inconsistent, particularly for less common ones like typhoid.
If you’re relocating with children specifically, our guide to moving to Phuket with your family covers healthcare planning alongside schools and visas.
Doctor’s Visit Fees in Thailand
Consultation costs are generally reasonable and shouldn’t be a barrier to getting sorted. Large hospitals typically charge around 1,000 THB for a consultation, while smaller clinics tend to be closer to 400 THB.
For a fuller picture of how healthcare works here more generally, our Phuket healthcare guide covers hospitals, insurance, and choosing a provider.
Most Insurance Plans Don’t Cover Vaccines
This catches a lot of people out. Travel and health insurance policies often exclude preventative vaccines entirely, so budgeting for them separately is worth doing before you arrive rather than assuming they’ll be covered.
Recommended Vaccines for Thailand and What They Cost
Approximate costs based on what we’ve paid locally, these will vary by provider and should be confirmed directly with your clinic or hospital.
Typhoid is relatively rare in Thailand and often out of stock at smaller clinics, running around 1,000 THB when available. MMR, covering measles, mumps, and rubella, is generally around 500 THB. Japanese encephalitis is one that doctors have consistently told us is worth taking seriously if you’re staying longer than three months, it requires two doses roughly a year apart, at around 1,000 THB per dose. Hepatitis A and B are worth discussing with your provider if you’ve never had them or think you might need a booster, typically around 2,000 THB per dose. Tetanus is recommended every ten years regardless of where you live, so it’s a simple one to keep current. Rabies is generally considered optional unless your children are likely to have close contact with street animals, and the full course runs to four or five doses at around 650 THB each.
Talk to a Professional Before You Decide
We are not doctors, and this page reflects what has helped our own family, not medical guidance. For the most current, individually tailored recommendations, speak to your GP, a travel health clinic, or check official guidance before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need vaccines for Thailand?
There’s no single answer that applies to everyone, it depends on your health history, how long you’re staying, and where you’ll be spending time. Routine vaccines like tetanus are generally recommended regardless, while others such as Japanese encephalitis become more relevant for longer stays. Speak to a travel health clinic before you go.
What vaccines are recommended for long term stays in Thailand?
Japanese encephalitis is the one most commonly flagged by doctors for anyone staying longer than three months. Hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and MMR boosters are also worth discussing with your provider depending on your existing vaccination history.
Are vaccines covered by travel insurance in Thailand?
Usually not. Most travel and health insurance policies treat preventative vaccines as an exclusion, so it’s worth budgeting for them separately rather than assuming they’ll be reimbursed.
Can I get vaccinated after I arrive in Thailand?
Yes, private hospitals and clinics across Phuket offer vaccinations, and consultation fees are generally affordable. It’s worth calling ahead to confirm stock, particularly for less common vaccines like typhoid.
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