Before we traveled to Viet Nam to adopt Ella I assumed that my husband and I were going to be required to get certain vaccinations. This wasn’t the case as Viet Nam does not require any vaccinations, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does recommend some for traveling to Viet Nam.

It is very important to see a doctor at least a month and a half prior to departing so the vaccines that you choose to get (if any) will have enough time to provide protection in your body. Also, if you can find a doctor who specializes in international travel, there is a greater chance that they will have the vaccines on hand and be more knowledgeable about the pros and cons of each one. Be aware that many health insurance plans do not cover travel vaccinations, so you may have to pay out of pocket. If this is the case, shop around by calling your local health department as well as numerous doctors in your area to see who has the best price.

The following are considered routine vaccinations that should be up to date:

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  MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
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  DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus)
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  Polio
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  Influenza
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  Chicken pox

The following are recommended for all travelers to Viet Nam:

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  Hepatitis A
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  Hepatitis B
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  Typhoid

The following are recommended for certain travelers:

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  Japanese Encephalitis – if you will be in rural farming areas
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  Polio – if you only received the oral or inactive poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
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  Rabies – if you will be in rural areas and spending a great deal of time outdoors

I will be posting later this week about what medications are recommended to bring with you when you travel. Be sure to do your own research and make decisions based on your own health and beliefs. If in doubt, ask your agency for advise and consult your doctor.


Related Reading:
How to Stay Healthy in Viet Nam
Dengue Fever Warning in Hanoi



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