Planning a trip to Thailand? Vaccinations might not be mandatory (with one exception), but they’re definitely worth considering. A bit of preparation can go a long way in protecting your health and giving you peace of mind while travelling. Here’s what you need to know about vaccines and where to get them if you’re heading there from the UK.

Do I need Specific Vaccines To Enter Thailand?

The good news is that most UK travellers don’t need specific vaccines to cross Thailand’s border. However, there’s one key exception: yellow fever.

If you’re arriving from a country with a known risk of yellow fever transmission — or if your journey included a layover of more than 12 hours in such a country — you’ll need to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. This requirement applies to travellers aged 9 months or older.

For most travellers flying directly from the UK or other non-risk areas, this won’t be an issue. But if your travel itinerary includes stops in parts of Africa or South America, it’s something to double-check before you go.

Which Vaccines Should You Consider?

For most travellers, certain vaccines may be suggested depending on the type of trip you're taking:

1. Childhood Vaccines

Make sure your basic childhood vaccinations (like MMR and DTP) are up-to-date. These are usually free through your GP.

2. Recommended Vaccines for Most Trips

Hepatitis A: A common suggestion for travellers visiting areas with varying food and water safety standards. Often free via the NHS.
Typhoid: Another commonly recommended vaccine, especially for longer stays or rural visits.
Hepatitis B: Could be worth considering for trips involving higher-risk activities, as Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids.

3. Optional Vaccines for Specific Situations

Rabies: If you’re planning on animal encounters, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
Japanese Encephalitis: If you’re visiting rural areas or travelling during monsoon season, this may be suggested. We opted for this vaccine ourselves, but it was expensive — around £218 for two doses (from Boots).

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your itinerary, duration, and personal preferences. Consulting with a healthcare professional will help you make the right choice.

Do You Need Anti-Malarials For Thailand?

Thailand has a low malaria risk in most tourist hotspots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern islands. But if you’re planning to go for rural areas along the borders, you might want to take precautions.

We didn’t take anti-malarials for Thailand, as our route didn’t include high-risk zones. What we did use a lot of was repellent (ones containing DEET are known to be the most effective!). Mosquito bites can carry diseases like dengue fever, even in non-malarial areas. Pack a good insect repellent, wear long sleeves as it starts to get dark, and look for accommodations with mosquito nets in rural spots.

The Boots Malaria Prevention Service was super handy for sorting out our anti-malarials for another part of our trip, with the bonus of having them delivered straight to our door, very simple and affordable.

What Do You Need To Bring To A Travel Advice Appointment?

Before heading to your travel advice appointment, it’s essential to have all the necessary documents and information with you. Boots recommends bringing the following (this may vary for different providers, so it’s always good to confirm with them ahead of your appointment).

Why We Chose Boots Travel Vaccination Service

During our trip planning, we found the Boots Travel Vaccination Service incredibly useful. Here’s why:

Convenience: It was easy to book online and find a location nearby.
Tailored Advice: The pharmacist explained which vaccines aligned with our travel plans, helping us weigh up optional ones like Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies.
Clear Pricing: Because our trip was coming up quickly, we budgeted for private vaccines rather than waiting for the GP to fit us in. If you’d like to check the cost of vaccines available through the Boots Travel Service, you can view their full price list by visiting their page and scrolling to the section titled "Travel vaccinations & price guide."

If you’re on a budget or unsure which vaccines are essential for your trip, the Boots team can guide you, or you can check for NHS availability for some vaccines to save costs. Just be aware that through the Boots service if you choose to not have any vaccines and/or antimalarials during the consultation, a £20 fee may apply.

Although we chose Boots, there are other places which offer travel vaccines in the UK, such as Superdrug and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Free NHS Vaccines Aren’t Guaranteed

In theory, vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid are free through the NHS. However, when we tried, we were told they don’t prioritise travel vaccines. This means availability might be limited, especially if you're travelling soon.

Private services like Boots or Superdrug are often the easiest way to get vaccinations, especially if you're in a hurry. These clinics also help you plan around vaccine timelines — many require multiple doses or need to be taken weeks in advance for full effectiveness, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Should You Get Vaccinated?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your plans and preferences. For city stays, you might stick to the basics, while rural adventurers may want additional coverage.

Vaccinations can feel like a big expense, I know for us it did, but we think of them as an investment in a hopefully stress-free trip. Whether you choose Boots, Superdrug, or your GP, the key is to get professional advice tailored to your itinerary.

Enjoy your travels and stay safe in Thailand! ✈️🇹🇭

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