How long before the trip should I get vaccinated against certain diseases?
August 16, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Paula Voigt
Dear Doctor,
My name is Uwe Richter and I am planning a trip to the tropics in the coming months. Since I have never been to a tropical country before, I am concerned about possible diseases that I should be vaccinated against. My trip is to Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand and Vietnam. Some relatives in my family have already had experience with traveling to tropical countries and have advised me to get vaccinated before departure.
I am unsure about how far in advance I should get vaccinated before my trip to have sufficient protection against tropical diseases. I have heard that some vaccinations require a certain amount of time to reach their full effect. Therefore, I would like to know how far in advance I should schedule an appointment for vaccinations to be optimally protected.
My biggest concern is contracting a dangerous tropical disease during my trip. I want to do everything in my power to minimize the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to me to receive the necessary vaccinations in a timely manner.
Can you please provide recommendations on how far in advance I should get vaccinated before my trip and which vaccinations are specifically recommended for my trip to Thailand and Vietnam? I appreciate your expert advice and thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Uwe Richter
Dear Uwe Richter,
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in expert advice regarding your planned trip to Thailand and Vietnam. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible tropical diseases and want to ensure that you are adequately protected. I will be happy to provide you with recommendations for the vaccinations recommended for your trip to the tropics, as well as information on how far in advance you should get vaccinated to ensure sufficient protection.
Firstly, it is important to know that there are no universal vaccination requirements for travel to the tropics, as the required vaccinations depend on various factors such as your health condition, the exact destinations, planned activities on site, and the duration of your stay. However, some vaccinations are recommended for Thailand and Vietnam to protect against certain diseases.
For your trip to the tropics, a basic immunization against the following diseases is usually recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, and Tetanus. These vaccinations are advisable as they can protect you from potentially life-threatening diseases that are common in the tropics.
Regarding the timing of vaccinations, it is advisable to get vaccinated at least 6-8 weeks before departure to build up sufficient protection. Some vaccinations require multiple doses weeks or months apart to ensure full protection, so it is important to start the vaccination series early.
It is also important to note that in addition to the recommended vaccinations, other precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of infection with tropical diseases. These include wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellent, avoiding uncooked food and tap water, and maintaining good hygiene.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can embark on your trip to the tropics well-prepared and protected. If you have any further questions or would like personal advice, I am at your disposal. I wish you a safe and pleasant journey to Thailand and Vietnam.
Best regards,
Paula Voigt
