What Vaccines Do I Need for Asia?

What vaccines you might need for Asia

You are planning a trip to Asia and want to know what jabs to have before you go. The answer depends on where exactly you are travelling, how long you will stay, what you will be doing, and your own health history.

This guide explains the main vaccines recommended for Asia, who should have them, and what to do next.

Do you need travel vaccines for Asia?

Most travellers to Asia need at least one vaccine. Some need several.

The key factors are:

Your destination country or region. Thailand carries different risks from Mongolia. A beach resort in Bali differs from rural villages in Cambodia.

How long you are staying. A two-week holiday has different risks from six months backpacking.

What you will be doing. Trekking in remote areas, staying in basic accommodation, or working with animals all raise your risk.

Your age and medical history. Older travellers, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions need different advice.

Your existing immunity. If you were vaccinated against something years ago, you may need a booster.

Because Asia is large and varied, there is no single "Asia vaccine list". Your pharmacist will ask you questions about your trip and then recommend the vaccines that make sense for you.

The main vaccines for Asia travel

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water. It is common in parts of Asia where sanitation is less developed.

Who needs it: Most travellers to Asia, especially if you will eat street food, stay in basic accommodation, or travel outside major cities.

Who does not: People who have already had hepatitis A, or who were vaccinated in childhood.

How it works: Two doses, given at least six months apart. You gain protection after the first dose, but the second dose gives long-term immunity.

Side effects: Arm soreness, mild fever, or tiredness. Serious reactions are rare.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated water and food. It is found across Asia, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Who needs it: Travellers going anywhere outside major cities, or staying longer than two weeks. Anyone eating street food or staying in basic accommodation.

Who does not: People who have been vaccinated in the past five years.

How it works: One injection, or a course of tablets taken over a few days. Protection starts within one to two weeks.

Side effects: Arm pain, mild fever, or headache with the injection. Tablets may cause mild stomach upset.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. It is rare in travellers but serious. Risk is highest in rural areas during rainy seasons.

Who needs it: Travellers spending a month or more in rural Asia, or visiting during peak mosquito season. Anyone planning to trek, camp, or work outdoors.

Who does not: People on short city-based trips, or those staying in air-conditioned hotels in urban areas.

How it works: Two doses, given one week apart. Protection builds over one to two weeks after the second dose.

Side effects: Arm soreness, mild fever, or headache. Serious reactions are very rare.

Polio

Polio is rare globally but still circulates in a few countries. Most UK adults were vaccinated in childhood, but boosters may be needed.

Who needs it: Anyone travelling to Afghanistan or Pakistan, or to any country if your childhood vaccination record is unclear.

Who does not: People with documented proof of full childhood vaccination.

How it works: A single booster injection if you need one.

Side effects: Minimal. Arm soreness is most common.

Rabies

Rabies is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals, particularly dogs, bats, and monkeys. It is fatal once symptoms appear.

Who needs it: Travellers who will work with animals, trek in remote areas, or stay in places where medical care is far away. Anyone who may have contact with stray dogs or wildlife.

Who does not: People on standard city-based holidays with no animal contact planned.

How it works: Three doses over three to four weeks before travel. If you are bitten after vaccination, you need fewer post-exposure doses.

Side effects: Arm soreness, mild fever, or headache. Serious reactions are uncommon.

Tuberculosis (BCG)

BCG protects against tuberculosis. It is more relevant if you will spend months in Asia or work in healthcare or education.

Who needs it: Long-term travellers, or those working with vulnerable populations. People with no record of BCG vaccination.

Who does not: People already vaccinated with BCG, or those on short trips.

How it works: One injection. Protection lasts many years.

Side effects: Mild arm swelling or tenderness. Serious reactions are rare.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is not present in Asia, so this vaccine is not needed for Asia travel. However, if you are travelling from Asia to Africa or South America, you may need it.

Other vaccines to consider

Depending on your trip, your pharmacist may also discuss:

Cholera vaccine, if you are travelling to areas with recent outbreaks or doing humanitarian work.

Dengue vaccine, if you are spending extended time in dengue-endemic areas.

Routine vaccines such as MMR, tetanus, or influenza, if your records are not up to date.

When to book your travel appointment

Book your appointment at least four to six weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need multiple doses spaced weeks apart, and you need time for immunity to build.

If you are leaving sooner, do not worry. Even a late appointment is better than none. Your pharmacist will advise what is possible in your timeframe.

Bring your NHS medical records or a summary if you have one. If you have travelled abroad before, let the pharmacy know where you went.

Common questions

Do I need all these vaccines?

No. Your pharmacist will recommend only the vaccines relevant to your specific destination, itinerary, and health history. A two-week city break requires fewer vaccines than six months backpacking.

Can I have multiple vaccines at once?

Yes. Most travel vaccines can be given on the same day, though in different arms. Your pharmacist will advise on the best timing.

How much do travel vaccines cost?

Costs vary by vaccine and provider. South Ealing Pharmacy will give you a clear quote during your consultation. Some vaccines are available on the NHS if you meet certain criteria; your pharmacist will check.

What if I have a medical condition?

Tell your pharmacist about any allergies, pregnancy, or chronic conditions. Some vaccines are not suitable in certain situations, but alternatives often exist. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, seek personalised advice from your GP or travel clinic.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate?

Yellow fever is not in Asia, so you do not need a certificate for Asia travel. However, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from Africa or South America. Check entry requirements for your specific route.

What if I have already been vaccinated?

If you were vaccinated years ago, you may need a booster. Bring your vaccination record to your appointment, and your pharmacist will check what you need.

Can I get vaccines while travelling?

It is possible in major cities, but quality and availability vary. It is safer and easier to be fully vaccinated before you leave.

What about malaria?

Malaria is not prevented by a vaccine. You will need antimalarial tablets if you are visiting a malaria-risk area. Your pharmacist can advise on this during your travel consultation.

Book your travel appointment

Planning a trip to Asia? Do not leave your health to chance. South Ealing Pharmacy in South Ealing, West London, offers travel health consultations tailored to your itinerary. We can advise you on vaccines, antimalarials, and travel health kits, and we offer same-day and evening appointments to fit around your schedule. Book your appointment today to make sure you are protected before you fly.