Adults need vaccines too — but most foreigners in Vietnam only think about vaccination during outbreaks. Meanwhile, seasonal flu, hepatitis B, HPV, shingles… all have adult vaccines available at vaccination centres nationwide. This is a suggested schedule for expats in Vietnam.
6 adult vaccines to consider in Vietnam
- Seasonal flu: annual booster — especially important over 65 or with chronic conditions. Vietnam’s flu season usually hits at seasonal transitions.
- Hepatitis B: Vietnam is high-prevalence — adults without antibodies should complete 3 doses. Test HBsAg/anti-HBs first.
- HPV: not just for teens — adults up to 45 (by vaccine type and doctor’s indication) can still vaccinate.
- Shingles: recommended from age 50.
- Tetanus–diphtheria–pertussis (Tdap): booster every 10 years; especially if you tour or work outdoors.
- Travel vaccines: typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (pre-exposure if frequenting remote areas) — ask a travel clinic.
Where to vaccinate: 3 options
- VNVC: the largest vaccination-centre chain, nationwide, online booking, imported vaccines — public price lists.
- Pasteur Institutes / preventive medicine centres: cheaper, with expanded-programme + service vaccines.
- International hospitals: FV, Vinmec, Raffles… have vaccination rooms with English counselling — priciest but convenient if you’re their patient.
3 notes before vaccinating
- Screening: centres screen before each dose — honestly declare allergy history, current illness and medications.
- Vaccination booklet: keep the certificate (paper + photo) — needed for jobs, school enrolment or other countries.
- HI doesn’t cover service vaccines: adult service vaccines are 100% out-of-pocket — some international plans cover preventive care; check your policy.
FAQs
Pregnant — can I vaccinate?
Some vaccines are pregnancy-safe (flu, Tdap), some contraindicated (live vaccines) — always ask your obstetrician first.
Are Vietnamese vaccines quality-assured?
Major centres use genuine imported vaccines (GSK, Sanofi, Pfizer, MSD…) with standard cold chains — check the vaccine name and expiry on the box before the jab.
Missed a booster?
No need to restart (except some types) — centres look up your history and schedule the next dose. Don’t abandon the course over one missed shot.
Contact us
FLAT Law Firm advises foreign nationals and their families on inheritance, wills, driving licences, health insurance and money transfers in Vietnam. Contact us for advice on your specific case.
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