Hepatitis A is commonly recommended for previously unvaccinated travellers to Vietnam because it spreads through contaminated food and water. Typhoid vaccination is also usually considered, particularly for longer trips, street-food-heavy travel, rural stays, young children, frequent travel or visiting friends and relatives. Tetanus should be up to date, especially if you may be far from reliable medical care after a cut, burn or puncture wound. Malaria risk in Vietnam is generally low and is not present in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Red River delta, Phu Quoc Island and coastal areas north of Nha Trang. Low-risk areas include some rural southern and inland provinces such as Tay Ninh, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, where bite avoidance is usually the key step. Antimalarial tablets may be discussed for higher-risk people in specific circumstances. Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are different. These are spread by mosquitoes that often bite during the day, including in urban areas. Repellent, long sleeves when practical and air-conditioned or screened accommodation matter. Japanese encephalitis occurs in Vietnam, with higher concern around rural areas, rice fields, pig farming areas and longer stays. Risk peaks from May to October, especially in the north. Rabies is also present in domestic animals, so pre-travel rabies vaccination is worth discussing for children, cyclists, runners, long-stay travellers and anyone heading somewhere where urgent treatment may be hard to reach.