What vaccinations should I get for myself and my children before visiting Thailand?
Тайланд – это страна богатой культуры, вкусной еды, добрых и гостеприимных людей и прекрасного отдыха. Это чудесное место вовсе не кажется угрожающим.
But coming from the West, you should know that Thailand is also a place where you can be exposed to diseases you had no idea about.
This is the unsightly side of travel and Southeast Asia in general. There are many viruses and diseases that Europeans, Americans, and Russians are not immune to. But they are rarely vaccinated.
For, although the risk of disease is real, it is worth acknowledging that there is both mistrust and panic. For example, many Western doctors scare patients into giving them expensive and unnecessary vaccinations.
Most people travel to and from Thailand without a problem, and you are likely to encounter a cold, traveler's cough - as they call it - or food poisoning with food from a questionable street food stall.
Still, it's better to be safe than sorry.
If you're planning a trip to the Land of Smiles, check out these vaccination recommendations to ensure that your time in the kingdom will go without health hazards. Some general health recommendations are also worth following for a comfortable trip.
Recommendations of doctors
When it comes to European (UK) or American physician recommendations, here are the vaccinations advised by both the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US) and the NHS for Thailand:
- Measles-mumps-rubella.
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis.
- Chickenpox.
- Polio.
- Hepatitis A.
- Typhoid.
- Cholera.
- Hepatitis b.
- Japanese encephalitis.
- Malaria.
- Rabies.
- Yellow Fever.
MMR and typhoid vaccines are usually given in early childhood, so check your vaccination records with your doctor and make sure you are protected.
There are a lot of vaccinations. I know. Fortunately, most travelers only need a few of these vaccines, depending on how long they stay in Thailand and what regions.
The NHS generally offers the following vaccinations free of charge: cholera, diphtheria, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A, and sometimes hepatitis A + B and typhoid.
Those interested in other vaccinations will have to pay. In the U.S., most travel vaccinations are paid, but some may be covered by an insurance policy.
Required
As mentioned earlier, most travelers do not get all their vaccinations for Thailand because it is quite expensive. But which vaccinations are really necessary?
Tetanus
Tetanus is a must for all travelers. The disease is not spread through human contact, but through bacteria in soil, manure, and even dust. The bacteria can find their way into the body through cuts or even small scratches.
Cost (USD)
The price of a tetanus shot in the United States ranges from $10-$100, depending on your insurance and if you get tetanus as a combination vaccine.
Why you need it
Tetanus is very easily spread. It is almost impossible to control all the environmental factors associated with travel, so the tetanus vaccine will protect you and reassure you.
Actual risk: Those who get tetanus tend to have stiffness or tension in the muscles of the jaw. Cramps, fever, heart problems, muscle pain, and headaches are also possible. Long-term effects of tetanus include fractures, blood clots in the lungs, pneumonia, and long-term, severe breathing problems.
When to get vaccinated: Get vaccinated anytime before you travel! The tetanus vaccine will protect you in a variety of circumstances.
Required doses: 1
Hepatitis A
Another important vaccination is protection against hepatitis A, which is a severe liver disease. Hepatitis A is spread through contact with feces. You can catch it if you don't wash your hands properly. You can also get hepatitis A from contaminated water, food, or even dirty objects.
Cost (USD): Depending on your personal insurance plan, a Hep A vaccination (which includes two injections) can cost from $60-$300.
Why you need it: Hepatitis A is a standard vaccine. In the U.S., it is vaccinated for children one year of age. But travelers would certainly benefit from extra protection. Hepatitis A can cause debilitating and even fatal liver problems. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Actual risk: Your risk of contracting hepatitis A while traveling to a developing country is actually quite high. You can catch it anywhere in the world except Western Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Scandinavia.
When to be vaccinated: The hepatitis A vaccine is given by two injections given 6 months apart. Therefore, if it is possible to plan a trip in advance, the first shot should be given 6 months before the trip.
Required doses: 2
Rabies
A prophylactic rabies vaccine is not urgently needed if the traveler is visiting Thailand's major cities exclusively. For those planning to hike, camp or stay in more remote areas, the rabies vaccine may be a good protection, as it may happen that urgent treatment is not available for several days.
If you have time, you can get vaccinated in Thailand. It will be cheaper than in the States or the UK. If an animal bite occurs, the rabies vaccine should be administered soon after the alleged bite and again on days 3, 7, and 14.
Cost (USD): The cost of the rabies vaccine is exorbitant, as each of the three injections can cost up to $250, so the total cost could end up reaching $750, give or take a few dollars.
Why you need it: For those who travel, camp or spend a lot of time in the desert, the rabies vaccine is essential because the rabies virus can cause many health problems and even death as it affects the central nervous system.
Actual risk: Rabies can be found in many animals in Thailand, including mammals such as dogs and bats. Those who travel outdoors, live camping or work in close contact with animals should be vaccinated.
When to vaccinate: Those interested in rabies vaccinations should get them four weeks before the trip.
Required doses: 3
Japanese encephalitis
Travelers to Thailand should only consider getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis if their immune system is compromised or if they will be spending a lot of time traveling outdoors in remote areas.
Encephalitis is a disease that people in the West may never have encountered. The disease can be fatal, though in rare cases. The risk comes mainly from mosquitoes, but also from animals, such as pigs and birds, that move around in swamps or mud.
Most encephalitis infections have mild symptoms, but 1 in 4 cases of encephalitis result in brain inflammation, high fever, coma, seizures, and death.
Japanese encephalitis vaccination is required for those traveling for more than one month and for those visiting remote areas of Thailand during the JE season (summer and fall). Japanese encephalitis vaccinations should be given in the home country, as two injections are required at 28-day intervals.
Cost (USD): The cost of Japanese encephalitis vaccination ranges from $400-$1000, depending on the insurance used and the cost of consultation.
Why you need it: those who plan to hike or work among animals should be vaccinated, as one in four cases is fatal.
Actual risk: The risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis is probably very low if you plan to stay in cities and do not have close contact with animals. The risk of contracting the disease from infected mosquitoes can be reduced by using bug spray.
When to vaccinate: 4 weeks before the trip enough time.
Required doses: 2
Malaria pills
Another important risk factor when traveling to Thailand (and Southeast Asia in general) is malaria. Malaria can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as muscle pain, nausea, palpitations, chills, and fever. If left untreated, the disease can progress to death.
Malaria is contagious. Malaria-infected mosquitoes are most common in areas of Thailand bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
Malarial mosquitoes can also be found in the forest areas of Krabi and other southern provinces, as well as in the far northern provinces. Cases of malaria in the cities of Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are rare but still occur, as do cases in the islands of Thailand.
In Thailand, travelers can purchase antimalarial tablets (doxycycline, mefloquine, or chloroquine) and start taking them a few days before contact with the malaria-prone area. The cost of these pills ranges from $50- $ 250, depending on the size of the dose and type of pill.
Most travelers who stay in decent hotels and who are not planning to go camping do not take malaria pills, but if you are camping, hiking and are near the jungle, you should talk to your doctor about it.
Other risks and recommendations
Another important thing to consider when traveling to Thailand is the safety of drinking water. Most Thais do not even drink tap water, preferring to buy purified and bottled water.
This is a recommended practice for travelers as well. And for those planning long trips through the countryside, filters and other water purification devices are recommended.
There is also some risk of leptospirosis. It is spread through water or soil that has come into contact with the contaminated urine of infected animals such as horses, dogs, rodents and cattle.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include headache, fever, chills, jaundice, rash, and abdominal pain. It is a rare disease. Those who work with animals are most at risk. The disease is not fatal. It can be treated with antibiotics.
After reading this article, it may seem difficult to avoid getting sick in Thailand. However, serious illness can be prevented by proper travel planning and an appropriate vaccination schedule.
By following hygiene guidelines, drinking bottled purified water, and taking timely malaria prevention measures, you can be sure to stay healthy during your trip to the Land of Smiles.