The two best sources for current and knowledgable information are the CDC travel in Thailand website, and not your local doctor, but someone locally who specializes in travel vaccinations. I just finished doing the research, and getting my vaccinations for a trip in November 2009. Now let me preface this by saying, I am not a travel doctor, but a big subscriber to the "6P" principles. And here is what I found out, but please consult a professional provider.
There are two sets of vaccinations that should be current and up to date. The information is from the CDC, and they are your routine adult vaccinations, and Thailand specific vaccinations.
CDC Adult Routine Recommendations:
* Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, (Tp/Tdap). "Yes".
* Varicella. "No, as long as you were born in US before 1980".
* Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). "Probably not as most people had these inorder to register for school".
* Influenza. "Yes, and get it shortly before you leave as the type changes".
CDC Thailand Specific:
* Hepatitis A. "Yes, and get the AB combo shot, it is cheaper that way ".
* Hepatitis B. "See above"
* Typhoid. "Yes".
* Tuberculosis. "No, I didn't get this as it was not recommended by my provider".
* Japanese Encephalitis. CDC "No, if urban stay of less than 30 days". But depends on where you are going.
* Polio. "I already had this like most people have".
* Yellow Fever. CDC "Depends on your country of departure".
* Malaria - CDC "No risk in urban areas where I am going". Wear long sleeves and spray with Deet (only, if mosquitoes are present).
So, I wound up with these:
* Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, (Tp/Tdap).
* Hepatitis A.
* Hepatitis B.
* Typhoid. And,
* Influenza, before I leave.
I was really pleased to hear that I did not need these two for cost reasons:
Varicella - $108.00,
Japanese Encephalitis - $135.00, "Ouch!" Good luck!
Special Note: If you decide to get the Hep. AB combo shots, be aware that a number of providers quote a price for one injection (usually around $120.00 US), however, it requires a series of three shots to be fully effective, so the total cost winds up being more like $360.00 + a small office fee.
Yes, the vaccinations are pretty costly, but I decided for me personally, better safe than sorry, as if you do contact some of these things the long term medical problems can be substancial.
:icon_chee