What Vaccines Do You Need for Southeast Asia? Complete 2025 Guide

Last Updated on November 9, 2025

Southeast Asia—an intoxicating blend of ancient temples, street food adventures, lush jungles, and stunning coastlines—is a bucket-list favorite for global travelers. But before your adventure begins, there’s one step you shouldn’t overlook: making sure you’re protected with the right vaccines for Southeast Asia.

Diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and dengue fever still occur in parts of Southeast Asia. And with hot, humid weather and unpredictable sanitation in some areas, the risk of travel-related illness can be high—unless you’re prepared.

This updated 2025 travel vaccine guide breaks it all down: Which vaccines you need (or don’t), which ones are optional, and how Canadians and other global travelers can prepare. Whether you’re backpacking Vietnam or vacationing in Bali, this guide will help you stay safe and healthy.

⚠️ Quick Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for personalized recommendations.

📋 Table of Contents

Routine Vaccines
Recommended Travel Vaccines
Additional Vaccines for Specific Travelers
Malaria in Southeast Asia
Country-Specific Vaccine Table
When to Get Vaccinated
Where to Get Vaccines in Canada
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Other Travel Health Tips
FAQ
Final Checklist
Final Thoughts

💉 What Vaccines Do You Need for Southeast Asia in 2025?

✅ 1. Routine Vaccinations (Make Sure These Are Up to Date)

These are the basics that all travelers should have, whether you’re going to Thailand, Cambodia, or staying home. Currently there are outbreaks around the world.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Tdap) – booster every 10 years.
Polio – adult booster may be needed.
Varicella (chickenpox) – if you’ve never had the disease.
Influenza (flu shot) – especially important if traveling during flu season.
Shingles – for those 50 years and over

Tip: Bring your immunization record when you visit a travel clinic.

🌍 2. Recommended Travel Vaccines for Southeast Asia

Most travelers should consider these:

🦠 Hepatitis A

Spread through contaminated food and water.
Common even in “nice” resorts.
2 doses, 6–12 months apart = long-term protection.

🌡 Typhoid

Spread through food/water, especially in rural or street food settings.
Oral (4 pills, 5 years) or injectable (1 shot, 2 years).

🧪 Hepatitis B

Transmitted via blood/sexual contact.
3-dose series; highly recommended for long-term travelers or anyone receiving medical/dental care abroad.

🎯 3. Additional Vaccines for Specific Travelers

If you’re spending extended time in rural areas, doing outdoor activities, or traveling during the rainy season, talk to your doctor about these:

🦟 Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

Mosquito-borne.
Higher risk in rural farming areas (e.g., Laos, Vietnam, Northern Thailand).
2 doses, 28 days apart (or accelerated schedule).

🐕 Rabies

Risk from dogs, monkeys, bats (e.g., temples, street animals).
3-dose series. Doesn’t eliminate the need for post-exposure shots, but simplifies them.

🟡 Yellow Fever

Not a risk in Southeast Asia, but required if arriving from Yellow Fever endemic countries (e.g., parts of Africa, South America).

💊 Malaria in Southeast Asia: What You Should Know

There is no vaccine for malaria, but in some areas of Southeast Asia (e.g., rural Cambodia, Indonesia), anti-malarial pills may be recommended.

Prevention strategies:

DEET-based repellents
Long sleeves/pants, especially at dawn/dusk
Mosquito nets
Medications like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline if traveling to high-risk areas

💡 Tip: Consider packing your own mosquito net if staying in budget accommodations.

Learn more: Malaria in Bali: Do You Need Pills in 2025?

🧭 Country-Specific Vaccine Notes (Quick Reference Table)

Country	Hep A	Typhoid	Hep B	JE (risk areas)	Rabies (rural/animal contact)
Thailand	✅	✅	✅	✅ (North)	✅
Vietnam	✅	✅	✅	✅ (Central/North)	✅
Cambodia	✅	✅	✅	✅ (rural)	✅
Indonesia (Bali)	✅	✅	✅	❌ (low risk in Bali)	✅
Malaysia	✅	✅	✅	✅ (rural Borneo)	✅
Philippines	✅	✅	✅	✅ (seasonal)	✅
Singapore	✅	Optional	✅	❌	❌

Looking for country specific information? Check out the following guides:

🕒 When Should You Get Vaccinated Before Your Trip?

Time Before Travel	What to Do
8 weeks	Book travel clinic appointment
6–8 weeks	Start JE, Rabies, or Hep B series (if needed)
4 weeks	Final doses, malaria consult
2 weeks	Flu shot, check documentation, pack meds

🏥 Where Canadians Can Get Vaccinated

🇨🇦 Travel Vaccine Options in Canada:

Travel Clinics (e.g., Passport Health, In-Store Pharmacies like London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart)
Public Health Units (availability varies by province)
Family Doctor or Walk-In Clinics

Use the Health Canada Travel Advice and Advisories for country-specific updates.

🦟 Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya & Zika in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has year-round mosquito activity, especially during the rainy season. While malaria is limited to rural areas, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are far more common — even in urban cities like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, or Bali.

⚠️ Dengue Fever

Caused by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes (unlike malaria).
No vaccine required for most travelers, but outbreaks are common.
Can cause high fever, severe muscle pain, and bleeding in severe cases.
No specific treatment — prevention is key.

Learn more: How to Prevent Dengue Fever in Cambodia

🦠 Chikungunya

Also spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
Causes joint pain, fever, and rash.
Risk is similar to dengue and varies by season/location.

Learn more: How to Prevent Chikungunya

🧠 Zika Virus

Usually mild, but can cause birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
Important consideration for pregnant travelers or those trying to conceive.

Learn more: How to Prevent Zika Virus

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Use DEET-based repellents (at least 20–30% concentration).
Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
Sleep with mosquito nets or in air-conditioned rooms.
Use permethrin-treated clothing or nets when possible.
Stay in accommodations with screened windows and doors.

💡 Tip: A lightweight mosquito repellent kit is worth packing — some pharmacies abroad may not carry trusted brands.

🧠 Other Essential Travel Health Tips

Buy Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage (including evacuation).
Carry a Health Kit: Pain relievers, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhea meds, personal prescriptions.
Stay Hydrated and protect against foodborne illness.
Check Local Health Risks like dengue outbreaks or air quality alerts.

Learn more:

❓ FAQ: Vaccines for Southeast Asia Travel

Q: What vaccinations do Canadians need for Thailand?
A: Hepatitis A, typhoid, and Hepatitis B are recommended. Japanese encephalitis and rabies may be advised for rural travel.

Q: Do I need vaccinations to enter Southeast Asia?
A: Most countries don’t require proof of vaccination unless you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever zone. However, many vaccines are strongly recommended.

Q: Can I travel to Southeast Asia without vaccines?
A: Technically yes (except Yellow Fever rules), but it’s risky. Vaccines protect against diseases that are still common in many regions.

Q: What’s the most important vaccine for Southeast Asia?
A: Hepatitis A. It’s the most common preventable travel illness for the region.

Q: Are vaccines for Southeast Asia covered by insurance in Canada?
A: Some extended health plans may partially reimburse vaccines. Check your provider.

Q: Is it too late to get vaccinated 1 week before departure?
A: Some protection is better than none. Get what you can, especially Hep A and typhoid.

✅ Final Checklist Before You Fly

Book travel clinic appointment
Get required vaccinations
Print vaccine records and insurance
Pack health and mosquito protection kit
Download emergency apps (e.g., TravelSmart)
Stay updated on disease outbreaks or changes

✨ Final Thoughts

Southeast Asia is rich in culture, food, and adventure—but don’t let illness cut your trip short. Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to protect your health abroad. Think of them not as a burden, but as your passport to peace of mind.

Stay smart, stay safe, and travel well. 🌿

Disclaimer

The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or travel health professional before making any decisions regarding travel vaccines or health precautions for your trip. This post does not substitute for professional medical consultation.

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel Health
World Health Organization (WHO). Vaccines and Vaccination. Available at: WHO – Vaccines