Phuket Travel Vaccines & Health Tips from Singapore Doctors
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart in Phuket with vaccine advice, heat safety tips, and food hygiene guidance from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Love Visiting Phuket
From island-hopping in Phang Nga Bay to street food adventures in Old Phuket Town, Phuket is one of the top beach getaways for Singaporeans. In 2023, over 520,000 Singaporeans visited Thailand, with Phuket ranking among the most popular provinces thanks to its mix of affordable luxury, pristine beaches, and direct flights from Changi.
Whether you’re soaking in sunsets at Kata Beach, enjoying seafood at night markets, or heading inland for jungle trekking — Phuket offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Best time to go: November–April (dry season, ideal beach weather)
Popular spots: Patong Beach, Kata/Karon, Old Phuket Town, Phi Phi Islands, Big Buddha
Popular for: Beach holidays, weekend getaways, water sports, wellness retreats, family travel
Visa-free and under 2 hours from Singapore, Phuket continues to be a convenient and accessible favourite for all types of travellers.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Phuket
Recommended Vaccines for Phuket:
- Influenza Vaccine – Recommended year-round due to crowd exposure
- Hepatitis A – Especially if you plan to eat at street stalls, drink fresh juices, or enjoy seafood buffets.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - For longer stays, tattoos/spas, or close local contact.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Considered for extended rural stays.
- Typhoid – For those exploring rural areas or eating at less hygienic establishments.
- Pneumococcal - For travellers age 65 above and those with chronic conditions.
- Rabies – If you’re planning extended rural stays, working with animals, or volunteering.
- Chikungunya – Phuket has had a history of Chikungunya outbreaks, a mosquito-carried viral disease.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Phuket.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Vietnam, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | $45 | 3 doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months Booster: at least 2 weeks before travel if previously vaccinated |
| Influenza Vaccine | $45 | 1 dose annually Take at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
| Typhoid | $39 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Travellers doing outdoor adventure, water sports, or long stays
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
- Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure monitoring (especially for older travellers)
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
Phuket is hot, humid, and full of tempting street food. Be prepared with:
- Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte powder
- Diarrhoea medication (loperamide, charcoal pills)
- Antihistamines (for insect bites or seafood reactions)
- Mosquito repellent (DEET-based)
- After-bite cream
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Motion sickness meds (especially for island-hopping boats)
- Small first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes)
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Stay hydrated: Carry a reusable water bottle and drink often
Avoid heat exhaustion: Take breaks in the shade, wear a hat, and avoid walking long distances under peak sun (12–3pm)
Avoid raw shellfish or ice in drinks from unknown sources
Choose busy stalls with high turnover
Eat cooked foods piping hot
Watch for red flags at beaches (strong currents)
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Be cautious with motorbike rentals
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- Skin rashes or unusual bites
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to Phuket?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
