I’d like to start by stating that I am by no means a doctor in any way shape or form but thought it might be helpful to provide some info on the vaccinations for South East Asia I decided to get for a year long trip to 10 countries (Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam). I chose the vaccines mentioned below based on my past vaccine history, research done on the CDC website, and consulting my doctor. Each person is different, and you should consult your own doctor for medical advice. In addition, each insurance policy is different. Mine covered a few of my shots, but you should check with your insurance first. Here is a list of travel vaccines for South East Asia I chose to get.
You should be up to date on all routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus, Chickenpox, Polio, Flu Shot, etc.). I got the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine as mine was out of date as well as an adult polio booster. My insurance covered the tetanus shot, however I paid $90 for the polio booster.
Vaccinations for South East Asia
Hep A Vaccine
Who should get this vaccine?
Most travelers visiting Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Why?
“CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water …, regardless of where you are eating or staying.” -CDC website
Cost?
Mine was covered by insurance
Meningococcal Vaccine
Who should get this?
My doctor recommended this shot even though it was not listed on the CDC website for the countries I am visiting.
Why?
“Vaccines are available that can help prevent meningococcal disease, which is any type of illness caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria.” -CDC website
Cost?
Mine was covered by insurance
Typhoid Vaccine
Who should get this?
Most travelers in Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Why?
“You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water … CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.” – CDC website
Cost?
$242 (price I paid in NYC)
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Who should get this?
Some travelers based on length of stay and areas visited within Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Why?
“You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going … and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas … or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month” – CDC website
Cost?
This is two separate shots given 28 days apart. The first shot cost $330 and the second cost $355 (price I paid in upstate NY)
Polio Booster Vaccine
Who should get this?
Most travelers visiting Myanmar and Laos
Why?
“If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.” -CDC website
Cost?
$90 (price paid in upstate NY)
Malaria Pills
Who should use these?
Some travelers based on length of stay and areas visited within Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. I will only be taking them in India, Indonesia, and Myanmar per my doctors advice and my own research. These three countries had the most reported cases of malaria.
Why?
“You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside.” -CDC website
Cost?
I paid a $10 co-pay with insurance, however these pills are fairly expensive without insurance. I will not be using them in every country (just the ones with a higher risk). Without insurance they cost around $250 for 30 pills.
Other
Antibiotics- I chose to ask my doctor to prescribe a high grade antibiotic in case I found myself ill in a rural area where healthcare was limited. He prescribed me enough for two rounds. I paid a $10 copay and the rest was covered by insurance, however this cost about $60 (for one round of medication) without insurance.
I did not get…
Hep B Vaccine
Who should get it?
Some travelers based on length of stay and areas visited in Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos and Vietnam
Why?
“You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.” – CDC website
Cost?
I did not get this shot as I was up to date on it already. I’m not sure how much it costs.
Rabies Vaccine
Who should get it?
Travelers doing extended outdoor activities, working with animals, or in remote/rural areas visiting Thailand, Myanmar, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
Why?
“Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals…” – CDC website
Cost?
According to my doctor, it costs about $2,000 (in NYC) and is not covered by insurance, which is why I chose to skip this vaccine.
I received most of my shots from my primary physician, however they did not carry all of the shots. For the remaining travel vaccines, I went to Passport Health which was well worth a visit. I had already done all of my research on shots, countries, etc prior to my visit, but this place was a mecca of information. The nurse I saw was knowledgable and gave me a packet of information with safety tips for each country. They do charge an appointment fee, but it really is a one stop shop for travel. If you don’t want to do hours of research on your own, you might want to take this route.
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Michelle Della Giovanna
Writer at Full Time Explorer
I’m just your average New Yorker who quit her job in the fashion industry to explore the world. Come find out what it’s like to trade in five-inch heels for squat toilets.
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