Your Complete Guide to Travelling in Asia: Health, Vaccines, and Expert Advice

Asia’s vast landscapes, diverse cultures and unparalleled experiences—from the temples of Kyoto to the beaches of Bali—make it a top destination for travellers worldwide. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, gap-year adventure or business trip, preparing your health is as important as booking flights. At Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, we specialise in travel health, ensuring you have the vaccines, medications and expert advice you need before you depart.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about travelling in Asia: health risks, recommended vaccines, malaria prevention, kit essentials and more.

Contents

1. Why Explore Asia? Highlights & Experiences

2. Health Risks Across Asia: What to Watch For

3. Essential Vaccines for Asia

4. Malaria Prevention Strategies

5. Travel Health Kit Essentials

6. Local Medical Care & Emergency Services

7. Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy

8. How to Book Your Consultation

9. Further Resources

Why Explore Asia? Highlights & Experiences

Asia spans some of the world’s most iconic destinations:

• Cultural Treasures: Historic temples in Japan, palaces in India, the Great Wall of China.

• Beach Paradises: Thailand’s Phuket, Indonesia’s Bali, the Philippines’ Palawan.

• Urban Adventures: Tokyo’s neon districts, Singapore’s futuristic skyline, Seoul’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

• Mountain & Jungle: Trekking in Nepal’s Himalayas, exploring Vietnam’s Sapa rice terraces, Borneo rainforests.

• Culinary Journeys: Street food in Malaysia, dim sum in Hong Kong, pho in Vietnam.

Such variety brings unique health considerations—let’s explore what you need to know.

Health Risks Across Asia: What to Watch For

Travelling in Asia can expose you to region-specific health risks:

• Mosquito-borne diseases: Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria (in parts of South and Southeast Asia)

• Water- and food-borne illnesses: Typhoid, Traveller’s diarrhoea, Hepatitis A

• Animal exposures: Rabies from stray dogs or wildlife encounters

• Environmental hazards: Heat exhaustion, air pollution (major cities), altitude sickness (highland treks)

A tailored consultation will assess your exact itinerary—urban, rural or remote—and recommend appropriate protections.

Essential Vaccines for Asia

Depending on your destinations and activities, the following vaccines are commonly advised:

• Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for rural stays of one month or more, particularly during rainy seasons or if you plan to visit rice-growing areas. See Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.

• Typhoid: Protects against typhoid fever spread via contaminated food and water. Available in injectable or oral form. See Typhoid vaccine.

• Hepatitis A & B: Hepatitis A transmits through food and water; B transmits via blood and bodily fluids. A combined course simplifies scheduling. See Hepatitis A & B vaccine.

• Rabies: Pre-exposure vaccination is advised if you’ll be in close contact with animals, such as during jungle treks or farm visits. See Rabies vaccine.

• Tetanus Booster: A 10-year booster (often combined with diphtheria and polio) is essential if you’ve not had one recently. See Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio booster.

• Yellow Fever: Not routinely required for most Asian countries, but mandatory if arriving from endemic regions. See Yellow Fever vaccine.

Malaria Prevention Strategies

Malaria risk varies across Asia—high in parts of India, Southeast Asia and some island communities:

1. Chemoprophylaxis

   • Options include Malarone®, Doxycycline or Atovaquone-Proguanil.

   • Choice depends on your medical history, itinerary and side-effect profile.

2. Mosquito Avoidance

   • Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and apply repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.

   • Sleep under insecticide-treated nets, especially in rural or forest lodgings.

   • Choose air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation.

3. Early Diagnosis

   • Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, chills or flu-like symptoms.

Discuss your personal malaria plan when you book your travel health appointment.

Travel Health Kit Essentials

Pack a health kit tailored to Asian travel:

• Prescription medicines: anti-malarials, antibiotics for traveller’s diarrhoea (e.g. azithromycin), anti-motion sickness tablets.

• Rehydration: oral rehydration salts and probiotics.

• First aid supplies: plasters, antiseptic wipes, wound-care dressings.

• Sun and insect protection: high-SPF sunscreen, after-sun gel, insect repellent.

• Health documentation: printed vaccination record, Yellow Fever ICVP if required.

We can provide a bespoke travel pack—just ask at your consultation.

Local Medical Care & Emergency Services

Medical standards vary widely:

• Major Cities: International-standard hospitals in Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong.

• Regional Centres: Good facilities in Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Rural Areas: Basic clinics; serious emergencies often require evacuation.

Save your travel insurance details, local emergency numbers and our clinic’s contact information.

Why Choose Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy

When preparing for Asia, trust our specialist team:

• GPhC-registered travel health specialists with in-depth knowledge of Asian health risks.

• Same-day and next-day appointments for urgent travellers.

• Comprehensive service: vaccines, malaria prophylaxis, bespoke health advice.

• Family-friendly environment: experienced in paediatric and adult vaccinations.

• Transparent pricing: view all fees on Pricing with no hidden charges.

• Central location: 56 Mill Rd, Petersfield, Cambridge CB1 2AS—minutes from the city centre.

Learn more on About Us.

How to Book Your Consultation

1. Visit Booking to select your slot.

2. Call 01223 354383 for same-day or urgent appointments.

3. Prepare your travel itinerary and vaccination history.

4. Attend your appointment for personalised planning and vaccination.

We’ll ensure you leave fully protected and confident for your Asian adventure.

Further Resources

• TravelHealthPro (UK travel health guidance)

• Fit for Travel (NHS)

• NHS Travel Vaccination Advice

Safe travels across Asia—from bustling metropolises to tranquil islands. Book your travel health consultation today at Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy via Booking or call 01223 354383.

More information check out the following resources where we source information from:

Fit for Travel
Travel Health Pro
NHS Travel Advice