Medical Articles
Recommended Vaccines for Traveling in Southeast Asia
05.05.2026
Many of you living in Malaysia likely take advantage of long holidays or consecutive days off to travel to neighboring countries.
Especially from Kuala Lumpur, access to various Southeast Asian countries is excellent, and because the cost of living is affordable, many people enjoy traveling during their holidays.
However, unlike Japan, these Southeast Asian countries are regions where many infectious diseases are prevalent. Vaccinations are essential to prevent various infections while traveling. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, let’s review the vaccinations you should consider before traveling to Southeast Asia.
Rabies Vaccine: Stray dogs are common in Southeast Asian countries, and some may carry rabies. Since rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms manifest, getting vaccinated is highly recommended.
Tetanus Vaccine: This disease can be contracted through injuries or bites from stray dogs.
Dengue Fever Vaccine: This is an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
Typhoid Vaccine: Typhoid is contracted through unsanitary food or water. We strongly recommend vaccination if you plan to enjoy local street stalls rather than high-end restaurants while traveling.
Cholera Vaccine: This is also transmitted through contaminated food and water at your destination.
In addition to these, there are various other vaccines to consider, such as Hepatitis A and B, Measles and Rubella, and Japanese Encephalitis (which, despite its name, is common throughout Southeast Asia, not just in Japan).
If you have travel plans or any questions, please feel free to consult with us.
Author Bio
Dr. Vivien
Medical Director/Family Medicine Specialist
After completing medical school in Moscow, Dr. Vivien gained clinical experience at a general hospital in Penang, Malaysia. She later served as a full-time physician at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak and at a clinic in Selangor.
Since 2018, she has been with Hibari Clinic, where she currently serves as Medical Director and is dedicated to providing care for the local community. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine, and values patient-centered care that respects each individual’s needs.