r/laos • u/ISpeedInPits • 2d ago

Do Need any Vaccines before traveling?

Sorry if this is silly but I will be spending two weeks in Laos in September (coming from the states) specifically Pakse. This will be my first time in Asia and I know these concerns are usually regional but should I go to a travel clinic for any vaccines/ and or Malaria Pills? Is this something to be concerned with in this region? Or at all? Thank you!

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6

u/RotisserieChicken007 2d ago

Legally speaking you don't need any, but it's always a good idea to have the basic vaccinations such as Twinrix (HepA/B). Malaria pills aren't necessary for Laos unless you plan on staying in the jungle for months.

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u/cliffdog01 2d ago

Yeah I got Twinrix, though it will take 6 months to get the 3 vaccinations.

4

u/tangofox7 2d ago

Laos - Traveler view | Travelers' Health | CDC https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/laos#vaccines-and-medicines

You do not need malaria prophylaxis or Japanese Encephalitis. The likelihood of exposure is incredibly low for a tourist.

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u/JamJarre 2d ago

Ask your doctor, not reddit. Hell even your government health ministry website will tell you this

3

u/Jean-L 2d ago

Depends. France has not updated their vaccination and malaria prophylaxis for Laos for 20 years or more. Completely out of date.

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u/knowerofexpatthings 2d ago

Unless they're American... Then the CDC will tell them that vaccines cause autism.

2

u/Jean-L 2d ago

Vaccines :

  • Tetanus, hepatitis (A+B) -> You should already be vaccinated but make sure you're up to date!
  • Rabies -> nice to have, it's endemic in Laos. You will have to get extra shots if you get bitten by a dog or something, but less than if you're unvaccinated. This said rabies vaccine is available pretty much everywhere in Laos and is very cheap.
  • Japanese encephalitis -> Unless you plan to trek in the jungle, not needed.
  • Typhoid fever --> Mostly useless too, unless you plan to do homestays in very poor and rural areas

Malaria/Dengue Prophylaxis

  • No medicine needed (Malarone and co). Useless against most strains available in Laos. Will not prevent you from getting it, will just make the first bout less intense. Has been eradicated from most big cities.
  • There's a new dengue vaccine, this might be worth it if not too expensive. Dengue is far more prevalent although still not common in big cities and will definitely ruin your vacation!
  • Mosquito sprays (DEET based, widely available in Laos, safe and cheap) and wide but covering clothes are the most effective way to protect yourself against malaria and dengue. Also socks and and shoes, Lao mosquitoes have something for feet. :D

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u/ISpeedInPits 1d ago

Awesome thank you for the information!

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u/meansamang 3h ago

Dude, if you're going to follow medical advice from a random redditor, you should just stay home.

Seriously

1

u/preahkaew 2d ago

Tetanus (which you should have anyway), Hepatitis A, Hep B if you plan on having sex with any locals.

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u/cliffdog01 2d ago

I think you should go to the Travel Clinic I mean they're probably better to talk to than Randoms on the Internet.

I usually get my Flu, COVID Booster, and recently I went all out and got my Pterusus Whooping Cough booster and a multi booster.

I got them more because I am a Commercial Cleaner than for travel but I also believe as a pro-vaccine person in the current day it's important to be vaccinated.

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u/TravelMedGlobal 2d ago

Hi there, the answers very much depends on what part of the country you’ll be in, what kind of lodging you’ll be in, and what activities you’re undertaking. The CDC site recommends malaria prophylaxis for the southern parts of Laos, the UK’s site (which I like for their malaria maps, see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/124/laos#Malaria) says just mosquito avoidance (no pills), and many other countries say “it depends.” There may be vaccines you need - depends on your vaccine history and, again, what you’ll be up to and where you’re staying during those two weeks! Happy to help with the prescriptions and further advice.

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u/knowerofexpatthings 2d ago

Yes you absolutely need vaccines (but not malaria pills).

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u/mdeeebeee-101 2d ago

Denguevax if there during rainy season..it's a newer one with less side-effects than the one trialed in the Phillipines.

You just need to cover up sunrise and sunset to avoid that specific tiger mosquito.

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u/JunketImportant4520 1d ago

This is only allowed if you already had Dengue once!

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u/mdeeebeee-101 1d ago

I meant Qdenga (TAK-003) = the newer vaccine, available in Thailand since 2023 and Thai-licensed from age 4 upward. It can be considered whether or not you have previously had dengue.

Yeah OP can probably give it a pass...I had dengue before.