Essential Travel Vaccines for Southeast Asia: A Guide for Christchurch Travellers

Planning an adventure through Southeast Asia? From the street food of Bangkok to the rice paddies of Vietnam and the beaches of Bali, this region offers unforgettable experiences for Kiwi travellers.

However, nothing ruins a holiday faster than a preventable illness.

At 1 Health in Wigram, we want you to come home with photos and memories, not a tropical disease. We have condensed the complex medical guidelines into this simple guide for Christchurch locals heading to Southeast Asia.

The "Must-Consider" Vaccines

While every itinerary is different, these are the most common risks for New Zealanders travelling to countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

1. Hepatitis A (The "Food & Water" Risk)

Hepatitis A is one of the most common travel-related diseases. It is a viral infection affecting the liver, spread through contaminated food and water.

The Risk: You can pick this up even in 5-star resorts, usually through ice cubes, salads washed in tap water, or uncooked shellfish.

The Protection: One dose gives you protection for up to a year (covering your trip). A second booster dose 6–12 months later can give you protection for 20+ years.

Availability: We stock this on-site at 1 Health.

2. Typhoid Fever

Like Hepatitis A, Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. It causes severe fever and stomach pain.

The Risk: Higher in areas with poor sanitation, but present throughout Southeast Asia.

The Options: You can choose between a single injection (lasts ~3 years) or a course of oral capsules (lasts ~5 years).

Timing: The injection needs 2 weeks to work; the capsules need to be finished 10 days before you fly.

3. Japanese Encephalitis (The "Mosquito" Risk)

This is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, primarily in rural agricultural areas (like rice paddies).

Who needs it? If you are staying in major cities or beach resorts for a short time, the risk is low. However, if you are planning rural trekking, staying longer than a month, or backpacking through the countryside, this vaccine is strongly recommended.

The Protection: Two doses are required (spaced 28 days apart, though an accelerated 7-day schedule is available for last-minute travellers).

4. Rabies (The "Animal" Risk)

Southeast Asia has a high prevalence of rabies in stray dogs, monkeys, and bats. It is almost always fatal if untreated.

Why vaccinate beforehand? "Pre-exposure" vaccination doesn't make you immune, but it buys you crucial time. If you are bitten, you will need fewer emergency injections, and—crucially—you won't need "Rabies Immunoglobulin" (a blood product that is often unavailable in remote parts of Asia).

Who needs it? Cyclists, runners, wildlife volunteers, and children (who are more likely to touch animals) should seriously consider this.