Vaccinations & Immunizations

[mglaser]

I know this might already be covered in another thread.... We are moving from the states... What are the necessary vaccinations if planning to live in Thailand long term? We will have the standard regular immunizations as well as Hep A and Typhoid... Do most people get a Japanese Encephalitis shot also? I don't think we will need rabies as we won't be around lots of animals.. I apologize if I am naive on this subject. We have small children so I am concerned.

THANKS!

[kkerry]

I think you find very few people get a JE shot unless they are living in rural areas near a pig farm. In Bangkok and the doctor at my local clinic said he'd never seen anyone there with JE. Most people don't seem to get even the Typhoid vax. The last time I was vaccinated for typhoid in Thailand the doctor asked me why I wanted it. Rabies is worthwhile considering especially if you live in an area with lots of stray dogs. Get the combined Hep A + Hep B vax if you can.

[Morakot]

Where are planning to live in Thailand?

In Bangkok, you'll be fine with your current vaccinations.

[Sheryl]

Should get not just Hep A but also Hep B Chances are that you have already had the Hep A vaccine as it has been routine in many countries for about 20 years now. In which case just get Hep B. If in fact have not had Hep A then combo Hep A/B vaccine.

And rabies pre-exposure vaccine highly recommended, especially for the children. Lots of stray dogs in Thailand.

Japanese B as other poster said, depends on where you will live/travel to. Advisable in rural areas but if you will be living in the city and only trips are likely to be beaches and other cities, probably not necessary.

Typhoid vaccine is unnecessary (and not very effective).

When it becomes available, Dengue vaccine for the whole family. It is new and currently available in just a few countries but will be in Thailand in the pretty near future.

[chubby]

JE is for "valleys around chiang mai" only. having said that, if its paid for why not. people may talk you out of the rabies, but may make sense anyway, depending how long you'll be in country, though, the vax seemed to mess up my joints in my hands for about a year personally

typhoid also only lasts for 5 year, it's often oral/pillsyou may need boosters for MMT/DT etccheck the CDC website

[Sheryl]

JE is for "valleys around chiang mai" only. having said that, if its paid for why not. people may talk you out of the rabies, but may make sense anyway, depending how long you'll be in country, though, the vax seemed to mess up my joints in my hands for about a year personally

typhoid also only lasts for 5 year, it's often oral/pills you may need boosters for MMT/DT etc check the CDC website

No, not limited to Chiang Mai. It is part of the national immunization schedule for all Thais and cases of it have occurred in numerous provinces especially in Issan. The resevoir is pigs, so it will occur only in areas where pigs are raised, i.e. rural areas.

[mglaser]

Where are planning to live in Thailand?

In Bangkok, you'll be fine with your current vaccinations.

We will be close to Pattaya...

[chubby]

Thailand Endemic countrywide; seasonal epidemics in the northern provinces Year-round with peak season May–October, especially in the north Highest rates of human disease reported from the Chiang Mai Valley; sporadic human cases reported from Bangkok suburbs; several cases reported recently in travelers who visited resort or coastal areas of southern Thailand.

[Morakot]

Where are planning to live in Thailand?

We will be close to Pattaya...

So, a vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis is not really required.

Read Sheryl's post, she recommends in addition to Hep A: Hep B vac and pre-exposure vac for rabies.

Edited March 29, 2016 by Morakot