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Vaccinations for Myanmar (Burma)

Travel Vaccinations > Destinations Advice > Vaccinations for Myanmar (Burma)
myanmar

Myanmar – or Burma as it is also commonly known, is a ‘gateway’ South East Asian country, bordering Thailand, Laos and Cambodia with its own distinct cultural nuances. While Myanmar holds spectacular scenery, and plenty for tourists to see and do, before travelling there it is essential to ensure that you are going to a safe area, and that there are no travel warnings due to civil unrest, which can occur. This page provides some general advice on vaccinations that may be recommended for you before travelling to Myanmar, however this is not a substitute for advice from the Travel Vaccination Clinic doctor or your own doctor. See below to book your appointment to speak with a doctor today about your upcoming trip to Myanmar.

Quick Travel 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 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

Which vaccines are recommended for travel to Myanmar?

The following vaccines may be recommended to you before travelling to Myanmar. Where you are travelling besides Myanmar, previous vaccines or allergies, your general health history and planned activities during your travels are also very relevant. Additional information you provide during the consultation will help the Travel Vaccination Clinic doctor give you the best advice according to your current needs. Book your appointment to discuss your circumstances and get the best travel vaccine advice possible.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A can be passed on through contaminated food or water while you are in Myanmar – and this is a common disease throughout the world. It is highly recommended travellers get vaccinated against Hepatitis A before leaving Australia. To learn more about the virus, and read about symptoms, prevention and other considerations, please visit the Hepatitis A information page.

Typhoid

Typhoid is also present in Myanmar, and you may come into contact with the Typhoid virus through eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. This vaccine will be highly recommended for you if you are travelling to rural areas, visiting friends or relatives in Myanmar, or if you are an adventurous eater.

For further information on the Typhoid vaccine please visit the Typhoid information page.

Both Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations can be administered in one shot, and this lasts for a number of years once given. 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 and hand washing will also help protect you against other food and water borne diseases during your stay in Myanmar – so ask about best practices while in your appointment.

Hepatitis B

There is a chance you could come into contact with the Hepatitis B virus if you meet a new partner in Myanmar, 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 do those things, which put them at risk of contracting Hepatitis B. If you have to undergo a medical procedure while in Myanmar, try to ensure equipment is sterilized.

Malaria

Malaria transmitted to humans by mosquito bite, and is present in many areas of Myanmar, particularly the border areas around Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Fortunately there is no Malaria risk indicated in the cities of Mandalay and Rangoon, though these might not be the only cities you visit in Myanmar. There are easy precautions to take against mosquito bites such as using repellent, wearing long, loose clothing, using a mosquito net where possible and avoiding contact with flying insects. Avoiding mosquito bites, or minimizing the number of bites you get, will also help you avoid other mosquito borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Japanese Encephalitis that may also be present throughout Myanmar.

Long-term travellers to Myanmar, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies

Japanese Encephalitis may be present in Myanmar. This is a flu-like virus, which can become more serious. This vaccine may be recommended if you are staying longer than one month in Myanmar, especially during particular times of the year (the virus ‘transmission season’), 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

Rabies does exist in Myanmar, and can be transmitted via bats as well as stray dogs or other mammals. According to the Center for Disease Control in the US, the following groups of travellers are recommended to have the rabies vaccine before travelling to Myanmar – as they could be at increased risk of contracting Rabies via a bite:

  • 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 Myanmar
  • Children

Is there risk of Yellow Fever in Myanmar?

There is no risk of contracting Yellow Fever in Myanmar, and you may be required to produce proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever infection (but this does not often include short transits through the airport, for example). If you have any concerns about the destination you will be arriving from, or this vaccine in general, speak to the doctor about this during your appointment.

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