Cambodia is still a popular tourist destination, with increasing numbers traveling to the country and nearby Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand—for commercial reasons, medical tourism, and unforgettable holiday experiences.
Cambodia is a developing country with all standards of accommodation available and many popular tourist spots, but some vaccinations for Cambodia are recommended for various reasons.
This website provides general advice on vaccinations for Cambodia and is not a substitute for adequate medical advice from the Travel Vaccination Clinic doctor or your own doctor. Before receiving any travel-specific vaccines, you should ensure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps and rubella, chicken pox, polio and others.
Please ensure you inform the doctor during your appointment if you are not completely up to date with routine vaccinations OR if you have previously had an adverse reaction to a vaccine
Quick Checklist
- Ensure you are up to date with childhood vaccinations to minimise health risks
- Practice proper food safety and hygiene, such as drinking boiled or bottled water, hand washing, and eating in cleaner-looking restaurants when possible
- Avoid mosquito bites where possible
- Inform the Travel Vaccination Clinic of your full travel plans and itinerary during your appointment
RECOMMENDED VACCINES FOR CAMBODIA?
The following vaccines are recommended in many circumstances; however, each case is assessed individually. Where you are travelling besides Cambodia, previous vaccines or allergies, your health history and other lifestyle considerations are also highly relevant.
The additional information you provide during the consultation will help the doctor give you the best advice according to your current needs. Book your appointment to discuss your circumstances and get the best advice on vaccinations for Cambodia.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A can be passed on through contaminated food or water throughout Cambodia and it is recommended travellers get vaccinated against Hepatitis A before leaving Australia. To learn more about the virus and read about symptoms, prevention, etc, please visit the Hepatitis A information page.
Typhoid
Typhoid is also present in Cambodia and can be passed on through contaminated food or water.It is recommended that you vaccinate against Typhoid, particularly if you are travelling to rural areas, visiting friends or relatives in Cambodia, or if you are an adventurous eater.
For further information on this vaccine, please visit the Typhoid vaccination page.
Both Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations can be administered in one shot, and once given, they last for several years. We recommend you ask the Travel Vaccination Clinic about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as well as taking food safety precautions and avoiding water that has not been boiled or treated (unless bottled) during your stay.
Practicing good food hygiene, hand washing, and other hand-washing techniques will also help protect you against other contaminated food and water-borne diseases during your stay in Cambodia.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B might be contracted if you meet a new partner in Cambodia, get a tattoo or piercing or undergo cosmetic medical procedures. The disease can be contracted through sexual contact or exposure to needles or bodily fluids, so the vaccine is highly recommended for anyone who might undertake activities that put them at risk of contracting Hepatitis B. This includes avoiding medical procedures where equipment does not appear to be sterilised.
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted to humans through an infected mosquito bite and is present in many areas of Cambodia, particularly the border areas around Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
There are precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long, loose clothing, using a mosquito net where possible, and avoiding contact with flying insects. You should discuss these with the doctor during your appointment, as other mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and Japanese Encephalitis, may also be present.
Long-term travelers & Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis may be present in Cambodia, so speak to the doctor about this during your appointment. This vaccine may be recommended if you are staying longer than one month in Cambodia, visiting rural areas, staying outdoors or going camping/hiking etc. Seek further information by discussing your plans with the doctor and confirming whether you may need this vaccine to stay safe during your travels.
Rabies
According to the Centers for Disease Control in the US, the following groups of travellers are recommended to have the rabies vaccine before travelling to Cambodia:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Cambodia
- Children