What vaccines should I get before travelling from Hong Kong?

Last reviewed: 2026-06-08

Quick answer

Travel vaccines depend on your destination, itinerary and health. Common travel-related ones include hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and rabies; some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination. The Department of Health's Travel Health Centres provide travel health advice and vaccination, and some vaccines (such as yellow fever) are only available at designated centres. It's best to seek advice 4 to 6 weeks before departure.

There's no single travel vaccine checklist; it depends on where you're going and what you'll do.

It depends on destination and itinerary

Which vaccines you need depends on where you go, what you do and how long you stay. Travelling to areas with poorer sanitation, staying long-term, going deep into rural areas, or specific activities such as contact with animals all change what's needed.

Common travel-related vaccines

Hepatitis A: spread through contaminated food and water, recommended for many destinations.
Typhoid: Hong Kong has both an injectable and an oral type; worth considering before travel to areas with poorer sanitation.
Japanese encephalitis: may be recommended for rural parts of Asia, especially for long stays or farming areas.
Rabies: travellers to rabies-endemic areas who may have contact with animals can consider the pre-exposure vaccine.

Yellow fever and entry requirements

Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter. The yellow fever vaccine is only available at the Department of Health's designated Travel Health Centres in Hong Kong. Travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah also has a meningococcal vaccination requirement.

Seek advice early

Some vaccines need time to take effect or are given in several doses, so it's best to consult a family doctor or the Department of Health's Travel Health Centre 4 to 6 weeks before departure, arranged around your destination and health. Also make sure your routine vaccines, such as measles and tetanus, are up to date before you go.

Answer six short questions to see which vaccines are worth discussing with your GP, and why.

Based on your age, health, and travel plans, using HK Department of Health and CDC guidance. A ranked list of vaccines, with the reason each one applies to you.

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