Injections for Thailand: The Complete Travel Vaccination Guide for UK Travellers
If you’re asking yourself, “What injections do I need for Thailand?”, this detailed guide explains everything UK travellers should know before flying out. From which vaccines are recommended to how much they cost and where to get them, we’ll walk you through the essentials; all with the expert help of Icon Travel Clinic.
You can book your Thailand vaccinations online or call 02085007070 to speak to our travel health specialists directly.
Why Vaccinations for Thailand Matter
Thailand’s tropical climate, lush jungles, and bustling urban centres make it one of the most diverse destinations in Southeast Asia, but also one with a range of potential health risks. Diseases that are rare in the UK, like typhoid or hepatitis A, are more common in parts of Thailand.
The good news is that most of these infections are preventable with simple, safe vaccines. Getting your vaccinations for Thailand from the UK before you travel helps ensure your trip stays memorable for the right reasons.
Travellers who skip their jabs often underestimate the risk of contaminated food, mosquito bites, or poor sanitation in rural areas. A few minutes at a trusted travel clinic could prevent weeks of illness abroad.
What Injections Do I Need for Thailand?
Your required injections for Thailand depend on factors such as how long you’ll stay, whether you’ll visit rural regions, and what kind of activities you’re planning. Below are the most commonly recommended vaccines for Thailand travel, including typical UK prices and when to get them.
1. Hepatitis A Vaccine
Cost: £74 per dose
Vaccine Package: (Purchase the full vaccine schedule upfront) £135
Why you need it: Hepatitis A is a liver infection spread through contaminated food and water especially risky in areas where sanitation may be limited. Even a single exposure can cause severe illness lasting months.
Schedule: One dose provides protection for around one year, with a booster after 6–12 months giving long-term (20+ years) immunity.
Recommended for: All travellers to Thailand, particularly if you’ll eat street food or visit smaller towns and villages.
2. Typhoid Vaccine
Cost: £49 per dose
Why you need it: Typhoid spreads through contaminated food and water, often in rural or less developed areas. It causes high fever, weakness, and intestinal issues that can last weeks.
Schedule: A single injection provides protection for up to 3 years.
Recommended for: Anyone travelling outside major cities like Bangkok or Phuket, especially for extended stays or rural trips.
3. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Cost: £59 per dose (three doses required)
Vaccine Package: (Purchase the full vaccine schedule upfront): £165
Why you need it: Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids. While everyday travellers face low risk, those planning long-term stays, medical work, or sexual contact abroad should be vaccinated.
Schedule: 3 injections over 1–6 months, depending on schedule.
Recommended for: Travellers staying long-term, healthcare professionals, volunteers, or those engaging in adventurous activities.
4. Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio Booster
Cost: £49 per dose
Why you need it: These diseases are rare in the UK thanks to childhood vaccines but still occur globally. Cuts, wounds, or contaminated soil can cause tetanus if you’ll be trekking, cycling, or camping.
Schedule: A booster every 10 years is recommended for continued protection.
Recommended for: All travellers who haven’t had a booster within the last decade.
5. Rabies Vaccine
Cost: £79 per dose (three doses required)
Vaccine Package: (Purchase the full vaccine schedule upfront): £225
Why you need it: Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It’s spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal such as dogs, monkeys, and bats are common carriers in Thailand.
Schedule: Three doses over 3–4 weeks, plus a booster if exposed.
Recommended for: Travellers spending time in rural areas, animal handlers, and anyone visiting for more than a few weeks.
Important: Even with the vaccine, seek medical attention immediately after any animal bite or scratch.
6. Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
Cost: £125 per dose (two doses required)
Vaccine Package: (Purchase the full vaccine schedule upfront): £240
Why you need it: This mosquito-borne disease is found mainly in rural areas of Thailand, particularly during the rainy season. It affects the brain and can be fatal or cause lasting neurological damage.
Schedule: Two injections spaced 28 days apart, providing 1–2 years of protection.
Recommended for: Travellers staying for more than a month or visiting rural/farming regions, especially in northern or eastern Thailand.
7. Cholera Vaccine
Cost: £45 per dose (two doses required)
Why you need it: Cholera is caused by contaminated water and food. It leads to severe diarrhoea and dehydration that can become life-threatening without treatment.
Schedule: Two oral doses taken one to six weeks apart.
Recommended for: Aid workers, those visiting areas with poor sanitation, or travellers going off the beaten path.
When to Get Your Vaccinations for Thailand
Ideally, schedule your Thailand travel vaccinations at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks for full protection. However, even last-minute travellers can still benefit from a consultation as our clinicians can provide accelerated schedules when necessary.
To check which vaccines you need, book an appointment or call 02085007070 to speak with a specialist.
Do I Need Malaria Tablets for Thailand?
While there’s no vaccine for malaria, certain parts of Thailand especially near borders with Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar carry a malaria risk. If you’ll be trekking, volunteering, or staying overnight in rural regions, malaria tablets may be advised.
Our travel health nurses can recommend the best antimalarial medication for your itinerary during your appointment.
Other Health Precautions for Thailand
Beyond your jabs for Thailand, there are a few additional precautions to stay healthy abroad:
Use insect repellent with DEET to prevent mosquito bites.
Drink bottled or purified water and avoid ice from street vendors.
Pack a basic medical kit with rehydration salts and antiseptic.
Practice safe sex. Always use protection. Condoms are recommended.
Stay insured with comprehensive travel health coverage.
For more detailed guidance, read our comprehensive guide on essential travel tips and important information for visiting Thailand to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip.
How Much Do Thailand Vaccinations Cost?
Here’s a quick summary of the most common Thailand travel vaccines and prices available at Icon Travel Clinic:
Vaccine | Price per Dose | Doses Needed | Protection Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Hepatitis A | £74 | 1–2 | Up to 20 years |
Typhoid | £49 | 1 | 3 years |
Hepatitis B | £59 | 3 | 5 years or longer |
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio | £49 | 1 | 10 years |
Rabies | £79 | 3 | Long-term |
Japanese Encephalitis | £125 | 2 | 1–2 years |
Cholera | £45 | 2 | 2 years |
Prices are current as of 2025 and may vary slightly depending on vaccine availability.
Why Choose Icon Travel Clinic?
Icon Travel Clinic offers a trusted, same-day service for all travel vaccinations from the UK, including destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bali.
Here’s why thousands of travellers choose us:
Expert advice: Our clinicians specialise in travel medicine.
Comprehensive stock: We carry all Thailand-related vaccines on-site.
Flexible appointments: Book online or by phone at a time that suits you.
Fair, transparent pricing: No hidden costs ever.
Convenient East London location with easy access from across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thailand Vaccinations
1. What injections do I need for Thailand from the UK?
Most travellers need Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on your itinerary, Tetanus, Rabies, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis may also be recommended.
2. Are vaccinations required to enter Thailand?
Currently, Thailand does not require any specific vaccinations for entry (unless you’re arriving from a yellow fever region). However, recommended vaccines protect you from common local diseases.
3. Can I get all my jabs for Thailand in one visit?
Yes. Most vaccines can be given on the same day, and we can arrange follow-up appointments if multiple doses are required.
4. How long before travel should I get vaccinated?
Aim for 6–8 weeks before your departure date. This allows enough time for immunity to develop.
5. Do I need malaria protection in Bangkok or Phuket?
No, these are low-risk urban areas. However, rural regions near the Myanmar or Cambodian borders carry malaria risk.
6. Are there side effects from travel vaccines?
Most vaccines cause only mild side effects such as soreness or redness at the injection site. Serious reactions are rare.
7. Can I get vaccines on the NHS?
Some vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid may be available on the NHS, but availability varies by GP. For faster service or additional travel-specific vaccines, private clinics like Icon Travel Clinic are ideal.
Final Thoughts
Thailand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world — but like any tropical destination, it requires a little preparation. Getting your injections for Thailand before travelling ensures you stay healthy enough to fully enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer.
Whether you’re heading to bustling Bangkok, relaxing in Krabi, or backpacking through Chiang Mai, protection starts with a simple consultation.
Book your consultation now at or call 02085007070 to reserve your slot.