Vietnam, Asia

Malaria Risk Travel Information

What is the risk of malaria in Vietnam?

Low risk in the Cities, Mekong River until close to border with Cambodia , and the coastal areas from Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh, adopt bite avoidance measures as below. Risk is substantial throughout the rest of the country.

In all rural areas and in the Southern part of the country in the Provinces of Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dac Lac, Gia Lai and Kon Tum , Mefloquine (Lariam) resistance is present and hence Doxycycline or Malarone must be used for these areas. 

Because of the high risk of malaria in Vietnam antimalarials are advised in at risk areas. Please remember to also follow the bite avoidance measures below.

What Malaria prophylaxis do I need to prevent malaria in Vietnam?

If you don't already have a prescription from your Doctor for malaria medication, you can save precious time by using our online consultation service to order the suitable malaria medicines for this region by clicking on the following links. Any of the medicine listed can be recommended for malaria prevention in this region. If you already have a prescription for malaria medicine from your Family Doctor, then you can order the quantity on your prescription(s) on the following links. For Travelpharm will supply your prescription, once we receive it from you. When you place your order on one of the links below, please follow the instructions on where to send the prescription.

Atovaquone and Proguanil 250mg/100mg- Generic Alternative to Malarone

Malarone Tablets

Malarone Children's Tablets (for Children under 40kg weight)

Doxycycline Capsules

Your online consultation will be reviewed by a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber registered in the UK with the General Pharmaceutical Council. There is a fee of £10 for each medicine consultation plus medicine costs, however we don't charge you a second fee if you are buying the same medication for more than one person. We only dispense genuine UK licensed medicines.

So what else can I do to prevent malaria?

All travellers should however follow the bite avoidance measures below:

• Use mosquito nets impregnated with permethrin or Deltamethrin. These insecticides kill mosquitoes instantly by acting on their central nervous system. During daytime, tie the net in a knot and leave it hanging from the ceiling. At bedtime untie the net and check carefully for hidden mosquitoes or any tears. Holes or tears must be mended with adhesive tape or thread. Tuck the edge of the net under the mattress and make sure there are no openings.

• Use mosquito and insect killing or "knock down" products in the bedroom. Regular use of these products is necessary so that the product comes into contact with any new insects that enter the room. Our extensive range of insect and mosquito room insecticides can be found here.

• Apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Also apply to clothing, reapplying frequently in accordance with the manufacturers directions. We advise the use of N, N-diethylmetatoluamide (or DEET to you and me) containing products. DEET has been widely used for over 50 years and has quite clearly been shown to be one of the most effective repellent products. The use of 50% DEET products is usually sufficient in normal conditions. Our range of insect and mosquito repellent products can be found here.

• From sunset onwards here are a few free and easy tips to reduce the chance of getting bitten. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, obvious, we know, but this will at least reduce skin available to be bitten. Wear Light colours as these attract mosquitoes less than dark clothing. Remember that aftershave and perfumes will tend to attract mosquitoes, so going without could help reduce the risk of being bitten.

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