Commonly recommended vaccines
These are general recommendations. Your pharmacist will advise based on your specific itinerary and medical history.
For full guidance including malaria risk areas and health alerts, visit TravelHealthPro.
Health risks in Thailand
Thailand is one of the UK's most popular long-haul destinations, drawing travellers from Medway, Kent, and across the South East to Bangkok's temples, Chiang Mai's mountains, and the idyllic southern islands. Before you fly, protecting yourself against food- and water-borne infections and insect-borne diseases is essential. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most visitors, and malaria prevention tablets are advised for travel to forested border regions. Medway Travel Clinic in Gillingham provides same-day appointments seven days a week, including evenings — no GP referral needed.
- Food and water-borne illness: hepatitis A and typhoid are present throughout the country; bottled water and careful food hygiene are essential.
- Mosquito-borne diseases: dengue fever is present across Thailand including urban areas; chikungunya is also a risk — use insect repellent day and night.
- Japanese encephalitis: occurs countrywide with year-round risk, peaking May–October in northern regions such as the Chiang Mai Valley.
- Malaria: low risk in rural forested border areas with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar; no risk in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya.
- Animal exposure: rabies is present in Thailand — avoid contact with dogs, monkeys and other animals, especially in rural areas.
Do I need malaria tablets for Thailand?
There is a low risk of malaria in the rural forested borders of Thailand with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Pattaya are considered no-risk areas. Mefloquine resistance has been reported in Thailand.
Malaria risk varies significantly by region within Thailand. A pharmacist assessment is essential before travel.
Typically recommended: Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone) or doxycycline are the preferred options for the low-risk border areas. Mefloquine is not recommended due to resistance.
Our pharmacists at Medway Pharmacy, 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5LJ provide personalised travel health advice for Thailand and all destinations. We serve Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Rainham, and the wider Kent area. Open 7 days a week, 7:30am–10pm — same-day appointments available, no GP referral needed.
Frequently asked questions about travel to Thailand
Where can I get Thailand travel vaccinations in Kent?
Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic at 465 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent ME7 5LJ offers Thailand travel vaccinations with same-day appointments, seven days a week. No GP referral is required and the clinic is open until 10pm, making it the most accessible travel clinic in Medway and across Kent.
How much do travel vaccinations for Thailand cost?
Travel vaccinations for Thailand start from £55 per vaccine at Medway Pharmacy. Hepatitis A is £55, typhoid is £55, and malaria tablets are available from £2.50 per tablet. The clinic is open until 10pm every day, so you can fit your appointment around work or family commitments.
Do I need malaria tablets for Thailand and can I get them same day?
Malaria tablets are recommended if you are visiting the rural forested border regions of Thailand with Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar. Standard tourist destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya carry no malaria risk. At Medway Pharmacy in Gillingham you can get a same-day malaria consultation and prescription — open seven days until 10pm.
How quickly can I get Thailand travel vaccinations in Medway?
Medway Pharmacy Travel Clinic offers same-day appointments with no GP referral needed. The clinic is open 7 days a week from 7:30am to 10pm — that's nearly 100 hours per week, more than any other travel clinic in Kent. Even last-minute travellers can be seen and vaccinated on the same day.
Do I need a Japanese encephalitis vaccine for Thailand?
Japanese encephalitis vaccination is considered for travellers spending a month or more in rural areas, those visiting rice farms or staying near wetlands, or those making repeated trips. Risk is year-round across Thailand with peaks between May and October, particularly in the north. Our travel health advisors at Medway Pharmacy will assess your itinerary and advise accordingly.
Is dengue fever a risk in Thailand?
Yes, dengue fever is present throughout Thailand including major cities. There is no vaccine routinely recommended for first-time travellers, so the primary protection is avoiding mosquito bites during the day. Our team at Medway Pharmacy can advise on effective repellents and bite-avoidance strategies during your appointment.
Ready to get protected?
Book a travel health appointment at Medway Pharmacy. Same-day slots available, open until 10pm.
Book appointment