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FAQ

What vaccinations do I need for the Philippines?

Page last updated 28 April 2020

All travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccinations before heading off to the Philippines. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, chicken pox, polio and influenza. For a full list, refer to the National Immunisation Program – available here.

Most travellers 
There is an increased risk of contracting hepatitis A and typhoid in the Philippines, both of which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. 

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. People are exposed to the virus generally through food or drink contaminated with faeces (poo), however, close personal contact (e.g.

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Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract and bloodstream.

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Some travellers
Depending on the duration of your stay, where you are staying and what activities you have planned, the following vaccinations may be recommended for you by your doctor:

  • Cholera
  • Hepatitis B 
  • Japanese encephalitis (particularly if you are visiting rural areas and/or spending a lot of time outdoors)
  • Malaria
  • Rabies (can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals)
Hepatitis B

In 2019 there were 5,855 cases of hepatitis B recorded in Australia, of which 157 cases were “newly acquired” and 5,698 cases were “unspecified” in regards to the time lapse since first infection.

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Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection of the brain spread by the bite of a particular type of mosquito.

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Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes life-threatening parasitic infection spread by the bite of a certain mosquito (i.e. the female Anopheles mosquito).

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Rabies

Australia is free of rabies, as the virus does not occur in land-dwelling Australian animals.1,2 Australia does, however, have other similar viruses, which are found in bats.

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Sources & Citations

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Travelers’ health – Philippines. Available at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/philippines

SPANZ.SAPAS.18.04.0160(1)a - Date of preparation April 2020