Thailand
Travel clinic Thailand
Travel health and vaccine advice for Thailand

Backpacking destination par excellence, the infinitely fascinating Thailand has many facets. There is the capital city, Bangkok, with its extravagant gilded temples and its absolutely crazy nightlife. Then there is the South, its perfect paradise beaches and idyllic islands rising from emerald-blue waters. Finally, there is the North, timeless and traditional, with its ancient ruins and beautiful forested mountains. But wherever you go in Thailand, you will always be amazed by the kindness of its ever-smiling population. As the Kingdom of Siam has never been colonized, Thai people have always kept their strong identity and could develop a truly unique culture.


HEALTH INFORMATION

We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.

For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.

THAILAND – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

The Yellow Fever Vaccine A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith-country-list.pdf
Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers.
Hepatitis B Recommended for all travelers.
Typhoid fever Recommended for all travelers.
Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough):  1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Cholera For humanitarian workers and health care providers.
Information, Advice & Vaccination – Japanese Encephalitis Recommended for travelers who may visit rural regions and farms, especially those traveling for a month or more, recommended for those spending a lot of time outdoors, such as camping, hiking, bicycling or working in the field, especially after dusk. The risk of japanese is particularly elevated during monsoon season. The period of Monsoon season varies based on the areas visited. Important to note, that vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is administered in 2 doses with a minimum time delay between doses.
Flu – Influenza Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure.
Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) Recommended for all travelers
Rabies For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
Schistosomiasis Avoid swimming in fresh water.
Travellers’ diarrhea Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure.
Malaria Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional.
Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Antimalarials Recommended Malarone, Doxycycline
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

In Thailand, it is possible to find excellent medical care in Bangkok, the capital city. Many doctors and other health professionals here have been trained in the United States and speak English. Outside of Bangkok, health care is of variable quality. If you need medical care in Thailand, you can go to the BNH Hospital in Bangkok for example. In case of infectious disease, go to the Mahidol University Hospital, also in Bangkok, which has a department specialized in the treatment of tropical diseases. If you face serious complications or a severe injury, it is better to be evacuated to another country.

In case of emergency in Thailand, call 1669. The response time depends on the area. You usually won’t have to wait more than 10 minutes in big cities, but in rural places, the waiting time can be very long. If you prefer a private ambulance, you can contact the Bumrungrad International Hospital at 66 2 667 2999 or the Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital at 66 2 712 7007, both located in Bangkok.

Medicines are easily accessible in pharmacies and hospitals in Thailand. But it is always safer to bring your own medical supplies, especially if you need specific treatments.

SECURITY ABROAD

Violence in the Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala is highly unpredictable.

SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 191
  • tourist police: 1155
  • medical assistance: 1669
  • firefighters: 199

General services

The Tourism Authority of Thailand offers general advice for tourists. Dial 1672 and press 9 for English.

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