Vietnam Travel Vaccines & Health Tips from Singapore Doctors
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Going to Vietnam? Discover which vaccines you need, how to enjoy street food safely, and what to pack — trusted health advice from Singapore GPs at Regis Medical.
Why Singaporeans Love Visiting Vietnam
From street food in Ho Chi Minh City to lantern-lit nights in Hội An and mountain treks in Sapa, Vietnam offers vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and some of Southeast Asia’s best value. In 2023, over 250,000 Singaporeans visited Vietnam — drawn by short flight times, visa-free travel (up to 30 days), and world-class food experiences.
Top Travel Seasons: March to May – Dry and warm across most regions, September to November – Comfortable weather and fewer tourists
Popular Cities:
- Hanoi – Culture, history, and Old Quarter food tours
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Modern energy, street eats, and shopping
- Hội An – Heritage town with beach access
- Sapa / Ha Long Bay – Mountains, cruises, nature escapes
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Vietnam
Recommended Vaccines for Vietnam:
- Influenza Vaccine – Recommended year-round due to crowd exposure
- Hepatitis A – Strongly recommended due to food and water hygiene variability
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - For longer stays, tattoos/spas, or close local contact.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Considered for extended rural stays or rice paddy trekking.
- Typhoid – Advised if eating from street vendors or rural areas.
- Pneumococcal - For travellers age 65 above and those with chronic conditions.
- Rabies – Important if you plan to hike, stay in rural areas, or may come into contact with monkeys or stray dogs.
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Vietnam.
- 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
Whether you're heading to a Jakarta mall or Batam beach resort, pack a compact travel health kit which may come in handy:
- Flu medicine or lozenges
- Plasters and antiseptic cream
- Eye drops and moisturiser lotion
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (street food may cause GI upset)
- Motion sickness tablets (for mountain roads or cruises)
- UTI medication
- Antihistamines (for bug bites or allergies)
- Fever meds and lozenges
- Mosquito repellent (dengue is present in many cities)
- Sunscreen & after-sun lotion
- Paracetamol and flu medication
- Hand sanitiser & wet wipes
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Do not drink tap water – only drink bottled or filtered
Avoid ice cubes in drinks at small stalls unless they use bottled ice
Eat only freshly cooked food, especially at beach clubs and markets
Avoid swimming in unchlorinated pools or rivers
Use mosquito repellent daily – dengue is present year-round
Pollution can be moderate in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh – wear a mask if sensitive
Always wear helmets on scooters – accidents are common
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
- Mosquito-related illnesses (dengue, chikungunya) if you feel unwell
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Mosquito repellent ready
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to Vietnam?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
