Health Matters

Health Insurance: students will need to undergo a dental check soon after arrival, as after that, most dental and health services for non-pre-existing conditions are practically free. Even so, it is advisable to take out personal medical, accident, loss, and travel insurance (usually sold as a package). Inquire with your travel agent about the types of insurance available and the costs.
Vaccinations: it is a wise precaution to have your vaccination status brought up to date, according to the current health recommendations. Please contact your travel health specialist for the latest requirements and/or recommendations.

The US CDC recommends the following vaccines (as appropriate for age):
See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
• Hepatitis B if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• Japanese encephalitis, only if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or more, except under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not complete the series as infants.

Note that students entering Thailand from Yellow Fever countries must have the appropriate vaccinations and documentary proof, or they may not be admitted.