About Vietnam
Vietnam is a popular choice for culture, beaches and countryside — but it brings some specific health considerations that are worth planning for. This page explains the main travel health issues for people from North London and surrounding areas (Wembley, Harrow, Brent, Neasden and Cricklewood), and how our pharmacist-led clinics can help you prepare. North London Travel Clinics offers private, appointment-based travel health checks and vaccinations from convenient pharmacy locations, saving you time and giving clear, practical advice tailored to your itinerary.
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Why travellers go to Vietnam — and what that means for your health
Visitors come to Vietnam for city breaks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, rural trekking, food markets and long stays with family. Urban areas typically carry different risks to rural or agricultural regions: cities are where dengue and other daytime mosquito-borne infections tend to be more common, while rural areas and rice-field regions can increase exposure to diseases such as Japanese encephalitis or, in specific provinces, a low risk of malaria. Knowing where you’ll be going and what activities you plan (for example motorbike trips, farm visits or overnight stays in smaller settlements) helps focus which vaccines and precautions are most important.
Key health risks and vaccines to consider for Vietnam
Routine vaccines: Make sure routine UK vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio) are up to date before you travel.
Food and water risks: Hepatitis A and typhoid are spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is commonly recommended for travellers, especially if you will eat street food, visit rural areas or stay with local communities.
Bites and insect-borne infections: Dengue, chikungunya and Zika are transmitted by daytime-biting mosquitoes and are present in Vietnam. There is no widely available vaccine that suits every traveller for these infections, so strict bite avoidance (repellents, long sleeves, screens) is vital.
Japanese encephalitis (JE): JE occurs across parts of Vietnam, with higher risk in rural areas, rice fields and during the May–October transmission season in the north. JE vaccination is offered for those staying long-term, visiting rural areas, or when travel plans are uncertain.
Malaria: Overall risk is low in many parts of Vietnam, but certain southern and rural provinces have residual risk. Antimalarial tablets are advised only for travellers visiting higher-risk rural zones or those in special risk groups; for most city visitors, rigorous bite prevention is the main measure.
Rabies: Rabies is reported in domestic animals. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for long-stay travellers, those working with animals, or anyone likely to have delayed access to post-exposure care.
Other considerations: Influenza circulates year-round in the tropics and seasonal peaks occur at different times of year; consider a flu vaccine if you are in a higher-risk group. Tuberculosis rates are higher than in the UK and BCG vaccination may be considered for certain long-stay child travellers. Always ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
How to prepare before you go
Book early — ideally four to six weeks before departure — so there’s time for vaccines that need several doses or to take full effect. If you have less time, it’s still worth contacting us; we will tailor advice to your schedule.
What to bring to your appointment: a brief itinerary (cities, rural stays, activities), a list of current medications, and any vaccination records you already have.
Medications and prevention: Discuss antimalarial tablets if your trip includes rural southern provinces or long stays outside cities. We’ll also advise on insect bite avoidance (DEET or picaridin repellents, permethrin-treated clothing, bed nets where appropriate), sun protection, water and food hygiene, and traveller’s diarrhoea management.
Pregnancy and family travel: Women planning pregnancy should discuss Zika risk with a clinician; pregnant travellers need individual assessment for vaccines and medicines. Children and people with health conditions should be reviewed earlier when possible.
Book your travel health visit in North London
When you need clear, practical advice and private vaccinations close to home, North London Travel Clinics provides pharmacist-led care from friendly pharmacy settings in North London. Our clinics at Zaxgate Pharmacy and Frank Wreford Pharmacy serve Wembley, Harrow, Brent, Neasden, Cricklewood, Finchley and nearby areas — with opening times across weekdays to suit commuters and families. Phone 020 8450 7873 to discuss Vietnam-specific advice or to arrange an appointment; we’ll check your itinerary, recommend required vaccines and help you plan any medicines you should take away.
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