Popular Post ASEAN NOW Sales Posted October 31, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted October 31, 2020 An expat's guide to vaccinations in Thailand Thinking of exploring rural Thailand for the weekend? You should look into vaccinations. In fact, vaccinations are crucial to all foreigners living in Thailand. With its tropical climate, the Land of a Thousand Smiles is home to many types of tropical diseases that you may not be exposed to back at home. Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand will give you a snapshot of what to consider when it comes to vaccinations in Thailand. On top of that, they'll be going over the list of vaccinations available, costs, and health insurance matters. Vaccinations and what to keep in mind Prior to leaving for Thailand, chat with your general practitioner (GP) about your vaccination options. Keep in mind that not all expats will need to get vaccinated before traveling, particularly if you are coming from a similarly tropical climate. Here are a few things you should keep in mind: Location: Are you living in an upscale apartment in Bangkok, or otherwise luxuriating in an air-conditioned building? You're less likely to be exposed to diseases than if you were out hiking in the jungle or living in remote, rural areas. Age: Those at or above 60 are recommended to get vaccinated for Shingles. Generally-speaking, elderly people are more vulnerable to Shingles both in Thailand and in Western countries. Vaccination history: What other vaccinations have you already taken as a child? Moreover, are those up to date? This will determine the types of vaccinations you'll need to obtain today. Health warnings: Pay attention to whatever new health risks that arise in Thailand, including travel and health warnings. Take all the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe. Vaccinations for children Moving to Thailand with a child? The recommended vaccination list may be different from the one included here. Follow your home country's immunization schedule for children. Alternatively, check out this recommended schedule by the Pediatric infectious diseases society of Thailand. Vaccination lists for expats in Thailand Here is the low-down on what vaccinations you should have as an expat in Thailand, divided into 3 categories for easy reading: expats staying in cities, expats staying in rural areas, and hikers. Which category do you fit in? Since each situation is different, please take the following advice as a general guideline. Remember to always consult your GP first! Thailand's vaccination requirement Please note that you are required to get specific vaccinations if you're entering Thailand from the following countries. Are you visiting Thailand from a yellow-fever zone, or have been there within a week of entering the country? You'll need to show proof of vaccination for this illness. Coming from any African or South African country? In this case, you're advised to check for specific vaccinations that you're required to get. 1. Expats staying in cities These are the four diseases you should get vaccinated for if you live in the cities: Tetanus Typhoid Hepatitis A Hepatitis B 2. Expats staying in rural areas If you're staying in rural areas, make sure you consider the following five diseases in addition to the above vaccines: Tuberculosis Japanese Encephalitis Cholera Malaria Dengue Fever 3. Hikers Planning to hike in the country? Remember to consider one more vaccine: Rabies Thailand vaccination costs There are two options: get vaccinated in your home country or in Thailand. If getting vaccinated in Thailand is your choice, you can now choose between public or private medical institutions. Both public and private hospitals provide excellent service and treatments. However, for expats, private institutions offer world-class amenities at a hefty price tag. According to the Thai Travel Clinic, here are what you can expect to pay for vaccinations in Thailand: Adult Tetanus+diphtheria+pertussis (Tdap): 664 THB Typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi®): 511 THB Hepatitis A+B (Twinrix®): 1,065 THB Cholera vaccine (Dukoral®): 759 THB And more. You don't always have to pay for vaccines out-of-pocket. Secure expat health insurance in Thailand today. Though the vaccine costs in Thailand are more than manageable for the average person, it's important to keep you or your family protected. With international private health insurance, you get access to the best medical treatments no matter where you are in the world. Curious to learn more about your insurance options? Contact our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand today! With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance brokers industry, they are well-versed in answering all types of insurance-questions. Pacific Prime Thailand is happy to find the perfect plan for you by balancing your budget with your needs. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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