While no mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Vietnam (except for yellow fever if you are arriving from a country where the disease is endemic), several immunizations are strongly recommended. These include vaccines for typhoid, diphtheria, and hepatitis A. Additionally, ensuring your routine boosters, such as tetanus and polio, are up to date is advisable.

Depending on the season and your travel plans, you may also want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, meningitis, and rabies. While these vaccines are available at international clinics in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, getting them in your home country is generally more convenient and cost-effective. It is also recommended to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination along with your passport when traveling.

Hepatitis A, which spreads through contaminated food and water, can be effectively prevented with a vaccine. The initial shot, followed by a booster after six to twelve months, provides immunity for up to ten years. Hepatitis B, transmitted through blood, unprotected sexual contact, and contaminated needles, is particularly important for those spending extended periods in rural areas with limited medical care. A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is available, consisting of three doses over six months, making it a more affordable and convenient option.

Although the risk of Japanese encephalitis is low, travelers staying for a month or more in rural areas—especially in northern Vietnam during and after the rainy season (June to October)—should consider vaccination. The immunization process includes two or three doses over a month, with the final shot taken at least ten days before departure. However, it is not recommended for individuals with liver, heart, or kidney conditions or those with multiple allergies.

For travelers planning extended stays in remote regions, doctors may also advise vaccinations for meningitis (a single dose) and rabies (a three-dose series). Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and healthy trip to Vietnam.