Vaccinations required for Laos

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants.

Do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated, there are additional recommendations to follow before, during, and after travel.

Before You Travel Internationally

Make sure to plan ahead:

Follow all airline requirements as well as any requirements at your destination, including mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing, or quarantine. Requirements may differ from your country's requirements. If you do not follow your destination’s requirements, you may be denied entry and required to return to your country of origin.

Testing (RECOMMENDED)

If you are not fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. 

Do NOT travel if…

• You have been exposed to COVID-19 unless you are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
• You are sick.
• You tested positive for COVID-19 and haven't ended isolation.
• You are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test.
• Learn what to do in each of these situations and when it is safe for you to travel if you or your travel companion may have COVID-19.

During Travel

Masks (REQUIRED)

Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required in indoor areas of public transportation (including on airplanes) traveling into, within, or out of Laos and indoors in Laos' transportation hubs (including airports).

Protect Yourself and Others (RECOMMENDED)

Follow all recommendations and requirements at your destination, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone who did not travel with you.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 

You will find below more detail about the popular diseases in Laos and the recommended vaccines that you should have before traveling to the country.

First things first, we will check what diseases that you will most likely encounter during your Laos trip.

Hepatitis A

Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is highest for those with underlying medical conditions where there is increased risk of severe disease e.g. chronic liver/kidney disease; haemophiliacs; men who have sex with men; people who inject drugs.

Hepatitis B

Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

Risk is highest for those with underlying medical conditions where there is increased risk of severe disease e.g. chronic liver/kidney disease; haemophiliacs; men who have sex with men; people who change partners frequently; people who inject drugs.

Malaria

Malaria is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms include high fevers, shaking, chills, and flu-like illness. Without treatment, Malaria can cause severe illness and even death. There are several vaccines on the market, and you need to take these in advance of your travel as well as upon return.

Dengue

Dengue Fever is endemic throughout Laos with large outbreaks occurring every few years. While cases occur year-round, the rainy season is the peak transmission period. Symptoms may be mild to severe flu-like conditions and can result in death.

A vaccine has been developed and is available for people aged 9 to 45 years, but they must be living in endemic area. And it’s not recommended for people who’ve never had Dengue Fever. This particular mosquito is active during the daytime–so cover up.

Japanese Encephalitis

Spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito breeds in rice paddies and mainly bites between dusk and dawn. Risk is highest for long stay travellers to rural areas, particularly if unable to avoid mosquito bites.

Rabies 

Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, and also cats and bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children.All travellers should avoid contact with animals (both wild and domestic) particularly dogs and cats. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite.

Tetanus

Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.

Typhoid

Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.

Cholera

Spread through consumption of contaminated water and food. It would be unusual for travelers to contract cholera if they take basic precautions with food and water and maintain a good standard of hygiene.

Risk is higher during floods and after natural disasters, in areas with very poor sanitation and lack of clean drinking water.

Risk is highest for humanitarian aid workers; those working in refugee camps or slums; those caring for people with cholera.

For most standard tourists, the usual recommended vaccinations for Laos include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella) as well as cover against the food borne diseases of Typhoid and Hepatitis A. For those trekking in the Laos countryside or staying for longer periods then cover against Hepatitis B and Rabies should be considered.

Most travelers should start their vaccines about 4 to 6 weeks before they leave for Laos. However, those planning a longer visit, or where their planned trip is likely to bring them to more rural parts of Laos, should attend earlier to ensure that they have sufficient time to complete the vaccine courses.

Malaria prophylaxis may need to be considered depending on the expected itinerary.

Check the table to have more idea of what immunizations you should have depending on the places you visit and what you plan to do.

The below list of vaccinations is based on the recommendation from CDC. You can check more detail HERE

Covid-19

Everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before travel. This vaccine is compulsory for any visitors planning to travel to Laos.

Measles

• Infants (6 through 11 months old): 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as the first dose in the routine childhood vaccination series.
• People 12 months old or older, with no evidence of immunity or no written documentation of any doses: 2 doses of MMR vaccine before travel. The 2 doses must be given 28 days apart.
• People 12 months old or older who have written documentation of 1 dose and no other evidence of immunity: 1 additional dose before travel, at least 28 days after the previous dose.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Laos, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Laos. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Japanese Encephalitis

You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Laos and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Laos or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Laos.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

Malaria

When traveling in Laos, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside.

Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. Areas of Laos with risk of malaria: Present throughout the country, including Siem Reap city. None in the city of Phnom Penh or at the temple complex at Angkor Wat. 

Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Laos, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

• Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
• People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
• People who are taking long trips or moving to Laos
• Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.

Yellow Fever

Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission.

Although Laos is a safe place to visit, there is a certain number of safety notices and precautions that you need to follow to have a smooth journey.

Below you can find some extra notices from CDC to help you have a healthy trip in Laos (or everywhere)

Eat and Drink Safely

Laos is renowned for its wonderful food, and there are thousands of street stalls and markets offering all sorts of delicious treats. However contaminated food and water can cause traveler’s diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses such as Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

• Food: CDC recommends consuming food that is properly cooked and served hot, ensuring fruit and vegetables are washed in clean water, avoiding food from street vendors, not consuming unpasteurized dairy products, and not eating “bush-meat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game).
• Water: Presume water from any tap, well, or other local sources, as non-potable. Use bottled or treated water for consumption and when brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth. Never assume that ice is made from filtered water.

Prevent Insect Bites

Some viruses and illnesses in Laos are contracted by insects, particularly mosquitoes. Here are some insect avoidance tips.

• Sleep in insect-proof or air-conditioned rooms
• Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and hats outdoors, day and night, especially at dawn and sunset
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents
• Use personal repellents on exposed skin–the most effective mosquito and tick repellents contain DEET; look for a minimum 20%
• Avoid dark-colored clothing and strong scents such as perfume, aftershave, and perfumed cosmetics and deodorants as these may attract mosquitoes
• Ensure large amounts of standing water is not left around unnecessarily

Stay away from Animals

In Laos there are many street dogs and cats that may not have been immunized. Generally, they don’t bother people unless they feel threatened or their territory has been invaded. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as Rabies.

Even cute puppies, monkeys, cats, and bats can carry the disease, so avoid touching or feeding animals you don’t know. If you’re bitten or scratched seek medical advice immediately.

Avoid Sharing Body Fluids

Diseases and viruses such as Hepatitis B, HIV and Aids, and TB may be passed by the exchange of body fluids. Practice safe sex don’t share needles, and ensure any medical instruments used are sterile.

Reduce Exposure to Germs

Good hygiene practices help you avoid sickness and spreading illnesses to others. Wash your hands often, especially before eating. Carry hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If possible avoid contact with people who are sick or if you’re sick.

Packing a basic health kit is a good idea no matter where you are going, and truly imperative if you have any sort of health conditions or take regular medications.

• Personal medical essentials plus Epi Pen if necessary
• Copies of all your prescriptions/immunizations and your doctor’s phone number
• First aid kit: Imodium, ibuprofen, paracetamol, tums/antacid tablets, Benadryl
• Allergy meds, asthma inhalers, & eye drops
• An adequate supply of prescription medications (knowing the generic name comes in handy)
• Hand sanitizer
• Anti-diarrheal tablets
• Antibiotic cream/ointment
• Anti-malarial if necessary (check with your doctor and the CDC/WHO before going)
• Anti-itch cream for bug bites
• Tiger balm (for headaches/muscle soreness/sinus issues)
• Band-Aids/bandages
• Mints or ginger to aid digestion and upset stomach
• Essential oils/travel diffuser for wellness regimen

Check the full list of Healthy Packing List from CDC HERE

You may want to learn more about Laos travel packing list

Because most medical treatment is piss-poor in Laos, having an idea of where you’d like to get care before you’re in an accident is a good idea.

If your accident is serious, you will need to go to Bangkok or Singapore. Make sure you will have insurance for Laos especially if you plan to join any active or sporty activities.

Local options include Alliance International Medical Center, the one clinic in town that is to “international standards”, although some reports indicate that they still leave a lot to be desired. (T: +856(0)2055529711).

You will find below the list of hospital in some tourist sites in Laos. Just keep it handy in case you need it.

You can either check the extended list of hospitals for tourists/foreigner in Laos HERE

You can find below our list of recommended hospitals and clinics at some tourist sites. You can also check the extended list HERE.

Vientiane

Kasemrad International Hospital Vientiane

This international hospital is operated by Bangkok Chain International (Lao) Ltd, a subsidiary of Bangkok Hospital Chain in Thailand. It is now the biggest and best hospital in Vientiane.

CONTACT

• Address: No.999, 450 years Road, Donnokkhoum Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
• Phone: +856 21 833 333
• Email: [email protected]

Mittaphab (Friendship) Hospital

Mittaphab Hospital is well known by the many foreign tourists. They have English speaking staff, in case you are a foreigner.

Noticeable Points

• It’s a public facility.
• Speaking English staff
• Specialization is in internal medicine, pediatrics, OBGYN and infertility, ophthalmology, X-ray, echo ultrasound, ECG, and EKG, mammogram, laboratory facilities, and mental health
• Operate 24/24 hours emergency service including ambulance

CONTACT

• Address: Phontong Road, Ban Phonsavang, Vientiane, Laos
• Tel: +856(0)21710005/ +856 (0) 21710006

Alliance International Medical Center

The Alliance International Medical Centre is the newest medical center in Vientiane.

Noticeable Points:

• The facilities at the center include a pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray equipment, ultrasound, and mammogram equipment. This alliance has worked out well and the facility, speaking staff, is the height of modernity.
• The Alliance is offered Diabetes and Hypertension specialists, Pediatrics and child development specialists, a women’s clinic, optical specialists, a skin care center, and a health check-up center. You can make the payments by Visa or Mastercard.
• The opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8.00 pm.

CONTACT

• Address: Honda New Chip Xeng Centre on Souphanouvong Rd, Wattaiyai Thong, Sikhotttabong District, Vientiane Capital.
• Tel: +856(0)2055529711/ +856(0)2054613492.
• Fax: +856(0) 21513096
• Email: info@aimclao. com

Australian Embassy Clinic

This famous clinic is also a recommended place with a team of professional doctors from Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand. However, it doesn’t have emergency facilities.

Noticeable Points:

• English speaking staff
• A private facility
• Pay by cash or credit card
• The opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

CONTACT

• Address: Km 4, Thadeua Road, Ban Watnak, P.O. Box 292, Vientiane
• Tel: +856(0)21353840

Centre Medical de L’ Ambassade de France

Noticeable Points:

• English speaking staff
• Private facility
• Specializations are as a primary care center with orthopedic, dermatology, general pediatrics, and gynecology, cardiology, echography, dentistry, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, speech therapy, house nursing care.
• The opening hours are from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to 19:00 pm, Wednesday 8.30 am to 17:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Sunday from 9:00 am -12: 00 pm and 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

CONTACT

• Address: Kouvieng Road, Ban Simuang, Vientiane
• Tel: +856(0)21214150 / +856(0) 21215713
• Emergency Tel (24 hours): +856(0)2056554794
• Mail: [email protected]

Luang Prabang

Phakhan’s Clinic

Noticeable Points:

• English speaking staff
• Private facility
• The opening hours are from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to 19:00 pm, Wednesday 8.30 am to 17:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Sunday from 9:00 am -12: 00 pm and 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm.

CONTACT

• Address: Phoumork Village Luang Prabang, 06000
• Tel.: 020 59 822 895

Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital

Noticeable Points:

• English and Chinese speaking staff
• A public facility
• Specialization is in internal medicine, X-ray, echo ultrasound, dermatology, MCH ward, pediatric ward, emergency, ICU.
• The opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1.30 pm – 4:00 pm.
• 24/24 hours emergency service including ambulance

CONTACT

• Address: a few km outside of the center at Ban Phoumok, Luang Prabang District, Luang Prabang Province
• Tel:+8561(0)71254026
• Emergency Tel.: +856(0)302009379
• Reception Tel.: +856 (0)71254027

Sometimes, travelers come home with more than souvenirs. Some travel-related illnesses may not cause symptoms until after you get home. Fortunately, most after-travel illnesses are mild and not a concern, such as a head cold or an upset stomach.

If you feel sick when coming back from Laos, you need to see your doctor immediately.

Below are some of the popular problems that may come back with you from your adventure in Laos.

Fever

If you have been in a country with malaria and develop a fever within a month after you come home, see a doctor immediately. Most fevers are caused by less serious illnesses. But because malaria is a medical emergency, your doctor must first rule it out. A fever could be malaria even if you took antimalarial medicine, because the medicine is not 100% effective. Most malaria develops within 30 days, but rare cases can lie dormant for a year or longer. So always tell your doctor about any travel you have done, even if it was months ago.

Persistent Diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea go away by themselves in a few days but see your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts for 2 weeks or more. Persistent diarrhea can make you lose nutrients and is often caused by a parasitic infection that might need to be treated with special drugs.

Skin Problems

Skin problems (rashes, boils, fungal infections, bug bites) are among the most common illnesses reported by people who have returned from international travel. Most skin problems are not serious, but they may be a sign of a serious illness, especially if you also have a fever.

At the Doctor

Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. This information will help your doctor consider infections that are rare or not found in the United States. Make sure to include all relevant details:

• What you did on your trip.
• How long you were gone.
• Where you stayed (fancy hotel, private home, tent).
• What you ate and drank while you were there.
• Whether you were bitten by bugs or animals.
• Whether you swam in fresh water.
• Whether you received health care abroad.
• Any other possible exposures (sex, tattoos, piercings).