What is it with me and yellow fever vaccinations? First Nigeria, then Zambia, then Zanzibar. And now Thailand…I just can’t seem to learn my lesson.
I believe I made this recommendation three years ago and never followed it, but let me make it again: just carry your vaccination card with you when you travel.
When I arrived in Bangkok from Addis Ababa, I proceeded to passport control, where I was promptly asked for proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Say what?
“You are arriving from Ethiopia. You need a vaccination! Go to Health Ministry!”
Oh great…
I turned around and walked back into the arrivals hall and found the health ministry desk, which was swarming with people…including others who sat around me on the Ethiopian flight. At least it wasn’t just me.
Thankfully I was just in transit in Ethiopia…I hoped that would be sufficient to get a waiver. It is not that I would have been unwilling to pay 700Baht (about $20) to be able to enter Thailand. Rather, I did not want an unnecessary shot. I still had the picture of my vaccination card at least, but figured that would be a tougher sell than in Zanzibar.
When I reached the front of the desk, I matter-of-factly stated that I was merely transiting Addis Ababa from Ethiopia and therefore did not require a vaccination. The man at the desk simply nodded and stamped my arrivals from.
Problem averted. I had no trouble clearing passport control and was soon on my way to the hotel.
CONCLUSION
I’ll be honest, I don’t know where my vaccination card is now. But I’m going to find it and keep it with me wherever I go. You should too.
And if you’re flying into Thailand, ensure you are aware of the Kingdom’s yellow fever vaccination requirements.
image: Dvortygirl / Wikiemdia Commons
I was transiting in Bangkok in June, accidentally discovered I could get a Yellow Fever Vaccine at the airport for only 700 Baht. I voluntarily asked to be vacinned and received my paper good for ten years. It would have cost me a couple of hundreds should I receive one in the US, as it’s not covered by insurance. I guess for those who need to have it done, it’s worth knowing that you can easily get it overseas for a fraction of the cost.
Hi Angie W,
I am going to have a trip to Africa this month, and I really need an Yellow Fever Vaccine. I will transit in Bangkok too. Would you mind advice me about your experience about that?
I could not contact them by phone and email.
I will appreciate that and hoping to hear your reply.
How long does it take to get the shot? I won’t have much time since I’ll be taking a connection flight to Krabi.
Why don’t you just staple it in your passport?
I am going to keep in my passport case.
I have been to Thailand 5 times and have never been asked for proof of yellow fever vaccination
You might need a shot that enhances your reading comprehension?
Perhaps he was vaccinated for that.
Most clinics and MD offices report vaccinations given to the state central database. Stopping at the Health Department will get you a free copy of your records for vaccines.
The reason yellow fever vaccines are so expensive in the US is because keeping the vials properly stored and throwing away unused doses adds to inventory costs.
“The reason yellow fever vaccines are so expensive in the US is because keeping the vials properly stored and throwing away unused doses adds to inventory costs.”
The reason is because our doctors are greedy.
you travel clinic has a copy … I have not had one in 40 years for nursing school…needed lots of wierd shotss
I’m in Doha right now waiting for my connection flight to Bangkok and just realized I’m coming from an infected country and haven’t got any proof with me, although I took YF vaccine last year.
Can you tell me if they’ll let me in right away by taking the shot there at the airport?
@Matheus: You will be able to enter Bangkok if your vaccination is administered at the airport.
Thanks! Great to know.
Hi Matthew. Would you say that this still holds true right now?
Yes, I have not heard of any changes.