Vaccinations for Thailand

[danielribo]

That would be the twinrix shot (covers Hep A + B). Make sure you get it a good 6 weeks before travelling as its a stage process.

Realistically, as long as you're careful, Thailand is safe and healthy (I've even been into hospital there and came out fine).

[taswegian77]

yes, the hospitals in Thailand (well in Bangkok) are world class standard, I would go as far to say the Bumrungrad Hospital on Sukhumvit Soi 3 is better than any hospital I have used in Australia. Top Shelf service and quality of care, my family have all used this hospital and it is nearly like a hotel in quality and service, at all times of the day.

[Optics]

Thanks all for the responses. I will make time to get the Hep A. I have already had most others while in the Army, but don't think I had Hep A. Main thing is I ensured the family got what the doctor recommended.

[Will]

Are you up to date on the normal schedule of vaccinations? You should already be Hep B immune, and this is especially important for travel to SE Asia where it is endemic.
And how old are you? ie if over 55, you might consider Strep Pneumoniae vax (Pneumococcal), and influenza.
If you are within range of hospitals, tetanus booster is not necessary as you can have one after the exposure (eg dirty wound).
Hep A is important too, but it sounds like you have already got advice to that effect.
Good luck - and you should definitely see a doctor who specialises in travel medicine to discuss this if you have any concerns.
PM me if you have any questions about specific vaccines

[maninblack]

There are a number of specialist travel GP's in Melbourne. I see one in Caulfield North, Find A Clinic - Travel Clinics Australia They are very on the ball with necessary immunisations, medications, advice etc.

[dajop]

Originally Posted by taswegian77

Also you need to remember that ice is most likely normal water frozen, not bottled water frozen.

I was advised by locals (expats) in Thailand that if the ice comes with a round hole in the middle of it - it should be OK, but normal cubes and crushed ice are no-no's. Ice at upscale (5*) hotels and resorts is usually OK, but worth checkin if not sure.

[JohnK]

I would find it difficult to believe that any water is safe, except for boiled, in Thailand. Me being the cynic that I am would find it very surprising if Thailand has enough fresh, clean spring water to supply all of the bottled water sold in Thailand. Personally I also think Australia and the rest of the world is in the same boat.

Originally Posted by dajop

I was advised by locals (expats) in Thailand that if the ice comes with a round hole in the middle of it - it should be OK, but normal cubes and crushed ice are no-no's. Ice at upscale (5*) hotels and resorts is usually OK, but worth checkin if not sure.

Wise advise but please remember that Thailand is a 3rd world country and just because you stay in a 5* hotel does not mean that the hygiene standards of catering staff is that much better than anywhere else in Thailand. The people working there come from the poorer parts of Thailand like Isaan.

Warning about crushed ice in Thailand. It is crushed by placing ice cubes in a naked palm of the hand and hitting a few times with a metal object. Place crushed ice in container and repeat. That hand may not have been washed before preparing crushed ice. The metal object, usually a scoop, has definitely not being washed.

Warning about eating peanuts offered in a small plate when drinking an alcoholic beverage. They do not wash the small plate and it has been used all night for the same purpose.

I really do not bother anymore. I figure that I have already built up some sort of immunity for most infections one is liable to run into in Thailand and SE Asia....