Travel Vaccinations for Laos
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Laos.
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | Measles, mumps, rubella, Course of Two | £60 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Tetanus, Diptheria, polio, Single Dose | £40 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhoid, single dose | £50 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Hepatitis A, Single Dose | £85 | ||
| Cholera | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Cholera, for course of 2 | £30 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | Hepatitis B, Course of Three | £85 | ||
| Japanese Encephalitis | Yes | Mosquitoes | Japanese encephalitis, Course of Two | £90 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabipur, Course of Three | £60 |
Advice for Travellers to all Destinations
All Travellers
All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
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Risk of Malaria in Loas
Malaria is a viral illness spread by Mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal.
Malaria Prevention
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition.
Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellant such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
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Yellow Fever Risk and Certification Requirements for Laos
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP).
Further Travel Health Advice for Laos
Laos
This small landlocked south East Asian country is predominantly Buddhist and is home to 49 ethnic groups and many different languages. Do some sightseeing around Laos by songthaew, tuk-tuk or boat for a novel experience or hire a motorbike and meander through the country. Visit the limestone karsts along the Mekong or take a back packing trip through the wilderness. Either way, there is a lot of natural beauty to explore – but make sure you’ve had all your shots first
Dengue Fever
Dengue Fever precautions should be taken for travel to Laos. Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites from a specific mosquito, which seems to be most active during daylight. There is no medical protection against dengue fever. What you can do is try to avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent and a mosquito net. Our travel nurse will be best able to advise you.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis infection can happen in Laos. It is caused by a flatworm infection that is acquired through contact with affected fresh water streams, rivers or lakes. If you think you may have been exposed to or have contacted Schistosomiasis, seek professional medical help.
Altitude Sickness
Due to the fact that some parts of Laos is situated higher than 2500m, Altitude Sickness may present a problem. You can obtain altitude sickness medication and practice appropriate acclimatisation and gradual ascents to counter altitude sickness. Don’t forget, it’s not just your climbing altitude but your sleeping altitude as well that must be considered. Our travel nurse will be able to discuss these with you and offer you the relevant advice.
Heat and Humidity
As small as it is, Laos is a country of 3 seasons namely hot season, wet season and dry season. You would be wise to check the weather for the period you are travelling, as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions.
Water Safe
Tap water in Laos is not considered safe, use bottled water which is widely available and generally inexpensive.
Food and Drink
Food in Laos is a delight – especially if you like spices. Food is on the spicy side, with rice being the main staple. Loa coffee and beer Loa are pretty good, so why not give those a try while you’re there.
Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Malaria and Dengue Fever which is spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for these infections is listed above.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while in Laos
Personal Safety
Laos is a relatively low crime country but beware of petty theft though. Also try to carry your passport with you at all times for identification purposes.
In the Neighbourhood – Southeast Asia
If you are travelling further afield throughout Southeast Asia make sure you check out the Travel Vaccinations that you need for every country that you are going to.
Brunei
Cambodia
East Timor
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
