One of the first questions parents ask before a Thailand trip is which vaccines their child needs. It is a smart thing to check, and the answer is often simpler than you fear. For a normal beach and family holiday in Krabi, most children are already covered by the routine shots they get at home. A few extra ones may be worth it depending on your plans.
The right list depends on your child’s age, health, how long you stay, and where you go. This guide gives a clear starting point, but it is not a substitute for advice from a doctor who knows your child. Sort this out a few weeks before you fly, since some vaccines need time to take effect.
Start With Your Child’s Routine Vaccines
The most important step is making sure your child’s normal childhood vaccines are up to date. These protect against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, and more. Measles still circulates in many countries, so being fully covered matters before any trip abroad. If your child has missed a shot or is behind on the schedule, ask your home doctor whether to catch up before you travel. This routine cover does most of the heavy lifting for a family holiday in Thailand.
Keep a copy of your child’s vaccine record, on paper or as a photo on your phone. It helps if a doctor needs to know what they have had, and it is useful if your child needs care while you are away. If you are unsure whether they are up to date, your home clinic can check the record and top up anything missing well before the flight.
Travel Vaccines Some Families Choose
Beyond the routine list, a few travel vaccines come up for Thailand. Hepatitis A spreads through food and water and is often suggested for travelers, including children. Typhoid is another food-and-water one that some families add, especially for longer stays or trips outside main tourist areas. For very long or rural stays, a doctor might discuss hepatitis B or Japanese encephalitis. Whether your child needs these depends on their age, the length of the trip, and where you plan to go.
Rabies deserves a special mention. Thailand has rabies, mostly in street dogs, and children are more likely to pet animals or hide a small bite. Some families choose the rabies vaccine before travel for extra safety. Even without it, any animal bite or scratch here needs quick care and the vaccine afterward. The table below lays out the main vaccines, why they matter, and when to have them.
Getting Advice and Care in Ao Nang
Ideally, you sort vaccines with your home doctor a few weeks before flying, since some take time to build protection and a few come in more than one dose. If you are already in Krabi and have questions, our English-speaking doctor is happy to talk through what your child has had and what makes sense for the rest of your stay. We can also help if your child needs the rabies vaccine after an animal bite while on holiday.
We do not post flat prices, since needs differ from child to child, but we give you a clear quote first and can bill many travel insurers directly. If your child feels unwell after a vaccine at home, most reactions are mild, like a sore arm or a low fever, and pass quickly. If you are worried about any reaction while in Ao Nang, come in or message us on WhatsApp and we will help.
Vaccines to Consider for a Child’s Thailand Trip
| Vaccine | Why It Matters for Thailand | When to Have It |
|---|---|---|
| Routine childhood shots (MMR, tetanus, polio, and more) | Protect against diseases like measles that still circulate abroad | Keep up to date before any trip; catch up early if behind |
| Hepatitis A | Spreads through food and water, a common travel choice | A few weeks before travel for best protection |
| Typhoid | Food-and-water illness, often added for longer or rural stays | At least a couple of weeks before you fly |
| Rabies | Thailand has rabies in animals, and kids often touch them | Before travel for extra safety, or right after any bite |
| Hepatitis B / Japanese encephalitis | Considered for long or rural stays | Discuss with your doctor well ahead of the trip |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any vaccines required by law to enter Thailand?
For most travelers arriving from Europe, North America, or Australia, no vaccine is required by law for a normal Thailand holiday. A yellow fever certificate is only needed if you arrive from a country where that disease is present. The vaccines discussed here are recommended for health, not required for entry. Always check the latest entry rules before you fly, as they can change.
How far ahead should I get my child’s travel vaccines?
Aim for a doctor visit about four to six weeks before you travel. Some vaccines need a couple of weeks to build protection, and a few come in more than one dose spread over time. Booking early also leaves room if your child is due for catch-up shots. If your trip is sooner, it is still worth going, as partial protection beats none.
Does my child need the rabies vaccine before we go?
It is optional and depends on your trip. Some families choose the pre-travel rabies vaccine for children, who are more likely to approach animals, especially for longer or rural stays. Others skip it and rely on quick treatment if a bite happens. Either way, teach kids not to touch street dogs, cats, or monkeys, and get any bite checked the same day.
My child is behind on their routine shots. Should I catch up before Thailand?
Yes, it is worth catching up before you travel where possible. Diseases like measles still spread in many countries, and being fully covered gives the best protection abroad. Speak to your home doctor early, as some catch-up shots take time to work. If a gap remains at travel time, our Ao Nang doctor can advise on what to watch and do.
Can you give my child a vaccine in Ao Nang if we missed one?
In some cases, yes, depending on the vaccine and your child’s history. Our doctor can review your child’s record and advise what is available and sensible while you are here. For time-sensitive needs like the rabies vaccine after a bite, we act the same day. Message us on WhatsApp with your child’s vaccine details and we will tell you how we can help.
Walk in near Ao Nang Beach, or message us and we reply in minutes. Doctor hotel visits across Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi.
WhatsApp UsGet Directions