Pre-Assignment Vaccination Guide for Vietnam

Start Vaccine Prep as Soon as Your Vietnam Assignment Is Confirmed

Once your assignment to Vietnam is confirmed, checking and getting your vaccinations is an important health preparation step. Since infection risks differ from Japan, getting the necessary vaccines before departure lets you start your new life in Ho Chi Minh City with confidence.

This article covers the vaccinations to consider before your Vietnam assignment and how to plan your vaccination schedule.

Recommended Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are generally recommended for long-term stays in Vietnam. Always consult your doctor or a travel clinic to determine which ones you need.

Strongly Recommended

• Hepatitis A: There is a risk of infection through food and water in Vietnam. Two to three doses provide long-term immunity
• Hepatitis B: Risk of transmission through medical procedures and daily contact. The standard course is three doses
• Tetanus: Even if you received routine vaccinations in Japan, a booster is recommended if more than 10 years have passed since your last shot
• Rabies: There is a risk of infection from dogs and cats in Vietnam. Families with children should strongly consider this vaccine

Consider Based on Your Situation

• Japanese encephalitis: Transmitted by mosquitoes. Even if vaccinated as a child in Japan, a booster may be worth considering
• Typhoid: Recommended for those who travel frequently to rural areas or eat local food often
• Measles/Rubella (MR): Check your vaccination history in Japan and consider a booster if needed

Planning Your Vaccination Schedule

Some vaccines require multiple doses or specific intervals between shots. We recommend starting preparations at least three months before departure.

Sample Schedule (Starting 3 Months Before Departure)

Timing	What to Do
3 months before	Visit a travel clinic, discuss your vaccination plan, and start the first dose
2 months before	Second dose (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.)
1 month before	Third dose (if needed). Check the mother-child health handbook (for children)
Just before departure	Organize vaccination records and obtain an English-language vaccination certificate

If you can't complete the schedule before departure, you can receive the remaining doses at medical facilities in Vietnam after arrival.

Where to Get Vaccinated in Japan

You can get vaccinations at the following types of medical facilities.

• Travel clinic: Specializes in vaccinations for overseas assignees and can help plan your schedule. Mainly found in major cities
• Your regular physician (internal medicine or pediatrics): Can usually handle common vaccines like tetanus and MR
• Company occupational health doctor: Some companies arrange vaccinations through their occupational health physician

Appointments can fill up quickly, so reach out early.

Vaccinations for Children

If you're bringing children along, extra attention is needed.

Things to check:

• Routine vaccination progress: Check the mother-child health handbook and confirm all routine vaccinations are up to date per Japan's schedule
• Additional vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A, rabies, etc. are not part of Japan's routine schedule but are recommended for living in Vietnam
• Routine vaccinations in Vietnam: After arrival, you can continue routine vaccinations at local medical facilities following Japan's schedule

Prepare English vaccination records

Your child's vaccination records may be required when enrolling in the Japanese School or international schools. Get an English-language vaccination certificate before departure.

Health Management After Arriving in Vietnam

In addition to vaccinations, everyday health management in Vietnam is also important.

• Drinking water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water or a water dispenser
• Mosquito protection: Due to the risk of dengue fever, use insect repellent spray and mosquito-repelling devices
• Food hygiene: Eat at trustworthy restaurants and pay attention to food freshness

If you're concerned about the quality of ingredients for your daily meals, try the Farmi app. Quality-controlled Japanese ingredients are delivered to your door, giving you peace of mind when it comes to food safety.

Useful Medicines to Bring

Medicine is available in Vietnam, but bringing familiar medications from Japan adds peace of mind.

• Fever reducers and pain relievers (including children's versions)
• Digestive medicine and anti-diarrheal medication
• Motion sickness medicine
• Insect bite treatment
• Adhesive bandages and antiseptic
• Sunscreen

If you take prescription medication, bring an English-language prescription or a copy of your medication handbook. This will be helpful when visiting doctors in Vietnam.

Start Your Vietnam Life with Confidence

Vaccinations and health preparation rank high on the pre-departure checklist for Vietnam. Plan ahead and start your new life in Ho Chi Minh City with peace of mind.

To prepare for meals in Vietnam, download the Farmi app for Japanese grocery delivery. You can order Japanese rice and seasonings right after you arrive.

Note: This article and some images were created with the help of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.