There are some safety precautions that should be followed before travelling to Thailand or South East Asia in order to avoid illnesses and other risks. Some Thailand travel vaccinations are optional, while others are mandatory. It’s critical to be aware of your vaccination requirements for Thailand before departing. Continue reading to learn what travel to Thailand vaccines you need and how to get them at our pharmacy in Kirkham.
What vaccines do I need for Thailand?
More than a million people from the UK travel to Thailand each year as a popular holiday destination. Indonesia boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including tropical coastlines, lush rainforests, towering mountain ranges, and expansive rice paddies. However, visitors should take care to protect their health by taking preventive measures before travelling, as the country’s tropical monsoon climate and environment can present various health hazards not commonly found in the United Kingdom
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) website for details on required vaccinations and other entry procedures for Thailand. Hepatitis A, tetanus, and maybe yellow fever are among the vaccines that are recommended for Thailand. You may be required to take additional measures based on where you are going and what you intend to accomplish there.
Tetanus
Tetanus is mainly spread through infected wounds, cuts, and burns, making it a potential risk across Thailand, especially in areas with little access to medical treatment. The illness may cause the muscles in your body to tighten, which can make it challenging to swallow or even breathe. In the UK, a maximum of five injectable doses of the tetanus vaccine are recommended for life. If it’s been 10 years since your last injection, you should go for a booster jab.
Hepatitis A
A liver infection, itchy skin, a high fever, nausea and joint pain are just a few of the symptoms of hepatitis A. It doesn’t have a specific treatment and usually occurs in unhygienic areas. The hepatitis A vaccine comes in a single dose.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a dangerous illness that can result in vomiting, back pain, extremely high temperatures, and light sensitivity. It normally spreads through mosquito bites.
Even if they have simply passed through the airport in transit, all travellers over the age of nine months who are coming from any country where there is a danger of yellow fever must get vaccinated against the disease. Before you depart, double-check your complete holiday schedule, and bring identification and your immunisation record.
Is Malaria found in Thailand?
In Thailand, mosquitoes can be a problem, especially in lowland rice fields and rural areas where they breed. Malaria, a serious disease spread by mosquitoes, is common in these areas. To protect yourself, wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent, and sleep under a mosquito net. Taking antimalarial medication, such as Proguanil, Atovaquone, or Doxycycline, is also recommended for long stays in high-risk areas.
Other diseases to look out for
Several mosquito-borne illnesses, including the Zika virus, can be found in Thailand. Though often mild, pregnant women may have serious side effects. Dengue fever, which can result in a fever, headaches, as well as intense joint and muscle pain, can also be brought on by mosquito bites. Since neither illness has an effective vaccine or injection, the best protection is to try to avoid being bitten. In comparison to rural areas, urban areas have higher prevalence rates for both diseases.
Anyone visiting Thailand’s mosquito-infested areas for an extended period of time should think about getting vaccinated against diseases caused by mosquitoes or taking antimalarial medication. Mosquitoes can also transmit a disease known as Japanese encephalitis.
If you plan to spend a great deal of time in the country, keep in mind that cholera can be another concern. The best approach to ensure your protection is through vaccination.
When should I get my vaccines to travel to Thailand?
Anyone who needs to get vaccinated before travelling to Thailand should make an appointment with their pharmacy six to eight weeks in advance. You should also visit the official government website for any medical updates.
Can you travel to Thailand without getting the Covid vaccine?
Since October 1, 2022, travellers to Thailand are no longer needed to provide COVID-19-related documentation.
Where can I get my vaccines to travel to Thailand from Kirkham?
Book your appointment with HMI Pharmacy today to get your Thailand travel vaccines in Kirkham. You can also visit us for more information.
This blog post was written on behalf of HMI Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.