Is It Safe to Get Vaccinated in Thailand?

If you're considering getting vaccinated while in Thailand, you may be wondering whether it’s safe and cost-effective. Many travelers find that vaccines here are significantly more affordable compared to their home countries. For instance, in the U.S., the cost of a Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine can reach $400 per dose, while rabies vaccination may range from $660 to $1,195 per series, not including fees. In contrast, in Thailand, you can receive the same high-quality vaccines at a fraction of the price. For example, at Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic, rabies vaccination costs approximately $40 for 2 shot Pre-exposure series (including the doctor’s fee), and JE vaccination is around $30 which could provide longer protection.

One reason for the lower cost is that the JE vaccine is part of Thailand’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) for all Thai children. This widespread use allows for economies of scale, making the vaccine more affordable. Similarly, Thailand has extensive experience with rabies vaccination due to its endemic presence in both animals and humans.

When it comes to safety and quality, travelers can be assured that vaccines in Thailand meet high standards. At clinics such as Chiang Mai Wellness Clinic, vaccinations are administered by experienced medical doctors or travel medicine specialists. We use only vaccines from trusted pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi Pasteur, GSK, and Takeda. All vaccines are stored and transported under strict cold-chain management to ensure their effectiveness.

After receiving a vaccine, you will be monitored for at least 15 minutes by trained healthcare professionals, and you will receive a vaccination record to share with your healthcare provider back home. While our clinic operates as a private practice, we strive to keep our pricing fair and accessible for both Thai residents and international travelers.

That said, if you have access to travel vaccines in your home country, we strongly encourage completing them before departure. Most vaccines require at least 10–14 days for the body to develop immunity, so early vaccination ensures optimal protection against preventable diseases.

Your health and safety are our priority, and we are honored to support travelers in staying protected wherever their journey takes them.