Get a full list of the vaccines you need for Philippines, and learn about the risk of diseases and the best ways to protect yourself while away.

Vaccinations for
Philippines

As you are on your way to planning your trip to Philippines, it is a great time to inform yourself about the required vaccinations for Philippines and other health recommendations.

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01. Vaccine list

Below is the official information about the required and/or highly recommended vaccinations for Philippines.

Factors to take into consideration when assessing your needs in terms of injections for Philippines are your holiday itinerary and your medical history. Book a free telephone consultation with one of our prescribing nurses for a personal assessment.

Most travellers

Diphtheria, tetanus and polio

Anytime before arrival

Typhoid

2 weeks before arrival

This vaccine is for most people going to risk areas. Amongst others, particularly people travelling to areas with poor sanitation should have the vaccine. Under special circumstances, you can have the vaccine less than 2 weeks before arrival. Book a free phone consultation for further information.

Protection

3 years

Certificate

Not required

Doses

Price

£35 per dose

Based on a standard programme for adults. Read more

Hepatitis A

Anytime before arrival

Some travellers

Rabies

3 weeks before arrival*

Japanese encephalitis

2 weeks before arrival*

Hepatitis B

4 weeks before arrival*

Cholera

2 weeks before arrival

This vaccine is taken as a drink. It is especially recommended for aid workers and people who travel in areas with poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water. Under special circumstances, you can have the vaccine one week before arrival. Book a free phone consultation for further information.

Protection

2 years

Certificate

Not required

Doses

Price

£29 per dose

Based on a standard programme for adults. Read more

02. Other health risks in Philippines

In the Philippines, there is a presence of other diseases that cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Please read the following safety recommendations.

Malaria

There is a low risk of malaria present in the country all year round in areas below the altitude of 600 metres, but you can exclude most cities.

Areas that contain a low risk are the provinces of Apayo, Zambales and Mindóro Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte as well as the islands of Mindanao, Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi Tawi).

In these areas the risk is not high enough for antimalarial tablets to be necessary, unless you plan on staying for a long time in rural areas or have a weakened immune system from a previous or current illness.

For everyone going to Philippines, malaria precautions are essential.

Malaria is a serious disease spread by the bite of a mosquito causing severe flu-like symptoms. Early diagnosis is essential as the disease can be potentially fatal if not treated quickly. Precautions like using a mosquito bed net and repellents will help to avoid infection.

Symptoms can include feeling hot and shivery with a high temperature of over 38 ℃, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Pregnant women, children and the elderly are particularly at risk of a severe reaction to malaria.

Zika

There is a risk of zika virus in Philippines. As there is no specified zika risk map for the country, it is best to take precautions in avoiding mosquito bites throughout the day, throughout your visit.

Dengue

There is a confirmed year-round risk of dengue throughout Philippines, with recent case reported in Central Visayas and Cebu Province. The risk is highest during the rainy season from May to November.

The dengue virus is spread through the bite of mosquitoes. The disease can be mild and pass in about a week without causing any ongoing problems, but in rare cases dengue can be more serious and potentially life threatening.

Symptoms include high temperature, nausea, a red rash and in more severe cases, severe stomach pain, bleeding gums and loss of consciousness.

People at higher risk include long-term travellers and humanitarian workers, who are going to areas where dengue is widespread, while all travellers are at risk during outbreaks.

03. Precautions for Philippines

It is important to take precautions during your stay in Philippines, as the diseases can be spread in many different ways and the risk can increase at anytime.

Mosquitoes

There is a risk of malaria, dengue fever and zika in Philippines, and you cannot be protected against the diseases by vaccination.

Because of this, it is really important you protect yourself against mosquito bites, as they are the main cause of these infections during your stay in the country.

Steps you can take to protect yourself from bites include:

using insect repellent that contains 50% DEET
using no more than 15-30% DEET on children
using alternatives to DEET on children younger than two months old
wearing loose, protective clothing and socks and shoes instead of sandals
sleeping under a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide
being knowledgeable of where mosquitoes are commonly found

Food and water

All travellers going to the Philippines should take care with food and water hygiene, as there is a risk of typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A, which are all transmitted through contaminated food and water.

If you are visiting friends or relatives in the Philippines or are a long-stay traveller, you are at increased risk of consuming contaminated food and drinks, and you should therefore be extra careful.

You can reduce your risk of consuming contaminated food and water by:

avoid eating and drinking at places where the hygiene is questionable
washing hands frequently and using alcohol gel
only having water and other drinks from sealed bottles and cans
avoiding raw or undercooked foods, such as meat, fish or shellfish
avoiding street food, unless it is cooked in front of you and served hot
avoiding uncooked fruit and vegetables, unless you wash and peel it
avoiding unpasteurised dairy products, like milk, cheese and ice cream
brushing teeth with boiled or bottled water
only eating cooked food, served hot
avoiding tap water and ice cubes
avoiding buffets
avoiding salads

04. Useful contacts in Philippines

This is a brief overview of important information and useful contacts that may help you while in Philippines.

The British Embassy Manila The British Embassy Manila can assist you, if you are in need for urgent help. You can call them on +63 2 858 2200.

Local emergency medical services Philippines has a national emergency hotline. For emergencies needing medical assistance, dial +63 2 911-1406 or +63 911.

Medical facilities and practitioners If you get ill while you are in Philippines and need to see a doctor, it is important that you are in possession of recommendations for a reputable medical facility. The British Embassy in Manila has prepared a list of medical facilities and practitioners in Philippines.

05. Checklist for your trip to Philippines

Check if you need vaccinations Speak with one of our prescribing nurses at least six to eight weeks before travel for advice on vaccinations for Philippines

Mosquito protection Ensure you have everything you need to minimise your chance of mosquito bites while in Philippines, including DEET insect repellent

Yellow fever certificate Double-check if the yellow fever certificate is required upon entry in Philippines, as the requirements can change

Travel insurance If you become ill in Philippines and did not receive the right vaccinations before you left, your travel insurance can become void. So, make sure to check before you leave

Note useful contact numbers Make a list of contacts to take with you to Philippines, as these can be helpful in case of an emergency

Content reviewed by

Anne Marie Major, Independent Nurse Prescriber
June 20, 2019

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