Vaccinations for Philippines

The Philippines is made up of a number of islands, spectacular beaches, scenery, and a lively and bustling cultural scene that appeals to tourists and business workers alike.

As a travel destination, it is on most people’s lists – so it’s important to know what vaccinations might be recommended before you go to the Philippines to ensure you and your family or friends remain safe and healthy while away.

This article provides general advice on vaccinations for the Philippines. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice from the Travel Vaccination Clinic doctor or your doctor.

Before receiving travel-specific vaccines, you should ensure you are current with all routine vaccinations. If you are unsure whether you are up to date, ask the doctor to confirm whether you should get a booster shot to protect you.

The Travel Vaccination Clinic is here to help you get the most out of your overseas experience, ensuring you remain happy and healthy throughout your trip.

To enable us to do this and to allow us to make informed decisions about the vaccinations, you must be honest and open during your appointment. We need to know about underlying medical conditions, existing medical treatment, your medical history, and any other health considerations that might be relevant.

Checklist

• Ensure you are up to date with childhood vaccinations
• Practice proper food safety and hygiene, such as drinking boiled or bottled water, hand washing, and avoiding street food if you do not think proper hygiene standards are being maintained
• Avoid mosquito bites where possible
• Inform the Travel Vaccination Clinic of your full travel plans and itinerary during your appointment
• Book travel insurance

Measles in the Philippines

Measles is of particular concern in the Philippines as large numbers of cases have been reported as recently as 2014. Measles in adults is far more dangerous than the typical childhood virus.

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 any vaccine or medication.

Which vaccinations should I get for travel to the Philippines?

Hepatitis A

You may come into contact with the Hepatitis A virus through contaminated food or water in the Philippines. Most travelers will be advised to vaccinate against Hepatitis A before traveling to the Philippines.

Typhoid

This presents with flu-like symptoms, but it can quickly become more serious. Typhoid is present in the Philippines, and it can be passed on to travelers through contaminated food or water. Please read the general information on this vaccine on the Typhoid information page to learn more.

You will be strongly advised to get vaccinated against Typhoid if you are traveling to rural areas, visiting friends or relatives while in the Philippines, or if you eat local and exotic foods. Please discuss your plans with the doctor for the best advice.

Both Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations can be administered in one shot, and this lasts for some years once given. Ask the Travel Vaccination Clinic about getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid, as well as taking food safety precautions.

Even if you have been vaccinated against these illnesses, you should still practice hygiene methods. To avoid drinking contaminated water, avoid tap water and stick to bottled water only. Practice good food hygiene and regular hand washing too.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be contracted through sexual contact with an infected person or exposure to needles or bodily fluids. The vaccine is highly recommended for most travelers. You can learn more about this illness and vaccine on our Hepatitis B information page.

Even with the vaccine, you should still protect yourself by not having unprotected sex, avoiding tattoos and piercings, and ensuring needles are properly sterilized if you need medical care whilst you’re in the Philippines.

Malaria

Malaria is transmitted to humans via a mosquito bite, and it is present in the Philippines. Please read the Malaria information page for further general advice on reducing the risk of malaria transmission.

To reduce your malaria risk, you can:

• Wear protective clothing
• Use insect repellent
• Sleep under a mosquito net

There are other illnesses you can contract from mosquito bites, including dengue fever and Zika virus infection. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out the specific risk of infection whilst you are in the Philippines.

Rabies in The Philippines

The Philippines is not a rabies-free country, so you should speak to the doctor about any risks associated with your trip. Please visit the Rabies information page to read more about the vaccine and whether you may require it.

Those spending time outdoors, working with animals, taking extended trips to rural areas of the Philippines, and children are all at increased risk, according to the US Center for Disease Control.

Even if you have the rabies vaccine, animal bites should still be taken incredibly seriously. If you think you have been bitten by an infected animal, you should seek urgent medical attention.

Japanese Encephalitis in The Philippines

Japanese encephalitis vaccine may be given or recommended if you are visiting rural areas, staying outdoors, or going camping/hiking during your time in the Philippines. This is another disease that you can contract from infected mosquito bites.

Seek further information by discussing your plans with the doctor and confirming whether you may need this vaccine to stay safe during your travels.

Does Yellow Fever exist in the Philippines?

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in the Philippines. However, you might need the yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a high-risk country. High-risk countries include Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil in South America and Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda in Africa.

If you are arriving in the Philippines from a country with risk of Yellow Fever infection, you might be asked to show proof of vaccination. This will depend on how long you have spent in the country.

General health and safety advice

As a reminder, when you are traveling to the Philippines, you should consider vaccinations/treatments for the following:

• Dengue fever: A viral illness spread by mosquito bites
• Malaria: Another disease transmitted by mosquitos
• Japanese encephalitis: An insect-borne disease
• Filariasis: An insect-borne disease
• Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection spread by contact with fresh water
• Hep A/Typhoid: Two illnesses that come from contaminated food and water
• Hep B: A liver infection that can be spread by sexual contact or contaminated needles/medical equipment

Other health risks to bear in mind include:

• Food and water standards are at the same level as in Australia. You should only drink bottled water and avoid contact with raw/uncooked food.
• Altitude sickness is possible in certain parts of the Philippines, such as Mount Apo, which sits almost 3000m above sea level.
• Medical facilities are generally okay in major cities, but the medical care might not be as good in smaller cities or rural areas.
• Mosquitos can spread lots of diseases and viruses; this can be worse in the rainy season as the number of mosquitos increases. You should practice bite precaution measures at all times.
• The temperatures average 30°C in the cities and by the beaches, heat stroke can be a risk, especially if you are not staying hydrated.