Recommended vaccinations for Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• No vaccine is mandatory to enter Cambodia (except yellow fever if arriving from an endemic zone).
• Recommended: universal (DTP, MMR, hepatitis B), hepatitis A, typhoid for all expats. Japanese encephalitis and rabies for long stays or children.
• The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (Phnom Penh) is the reference: imported vaccines, French-speaking, post-exposure rabies treatment.

When to get vaccinated

• Before departure (ideally 4-6 weeks): universal + hepatitis A + typhoid.
• On site in the first months: complete or start Japanese encephalitis and rabies.
• Children: full vaccination programme up to date before installation, plus Japanese encephalitis (residence > 1 year) and rabies (recommended for children living near stray dogs).
• Before excursion to rural or jungle area: check Japanese encephalitis coverage.

Cost and vaccination schedule

Total adult full series: 200-500 USD depending on vaccines chosen.

Where to get vaccinated

Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (Phnom Penh)

Reference in Cambodia — imported vaccines, controlled quality, French-speaking, open on weekdays.

• Address: Sangkat Boeung Reang, Khan Doun Penh, Phnom Penh.
• Specialities: all travel vaccines + post-exposure rabies treatment (immunoglobulins available).
• Cost: official rates displayed.

International hospitals

• Royal Phnom Penh Hospital, Sunrise Japan, Sen Sok International, Royal Angkor (Siem Reap): scheduled vaccination consultation services. Costs 10-30% higher than Pasteur.

Before departure: international vaccination centre in France

If you are still in France, at minimum get hepatitis A + DTP up to date + typhoid at an international vaccination centre (CHU, hospital services) 4-6 weeks before departure.

Documents to bring

• International vaccination booklet (yellow card) up to date, or any summary document.
• Passport.
• USD cash (vaccines are paid cash at Pasteur).
• Health insurance card: the CFE and international plans generally reimburse travel vaccines on invoice.

Vaccination calendar and boosters

• DTP: booster every 10 years (anticipate if booster forgotten before departure).
• Hepatitis A: 2 doses then protection ≥ 20 years.
• Hepatitis B: 3 doses then lifetime protection.
• Japanese encephalitis: booster after 1-2 years depending on vaccine (Ixiaro / Imojev).
• Preventive rabies: occasional booster on exposure (reduces post-exposure treatment to 2 injections instead of 5).
• Typhoid: booster every 3 years if continued exposure.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Which vaccines before departure and which on site?

Before departure: DTP up to date, hepatitis A + B, typhoid, MMR if not up to date. On site: Japanese encephalitis and preventive rabies (complete or start at Pasteur).

Is malaria a risk in Cambodia?

Yes, but only in forested and border zones (Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Thai border). Not in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville. For a jungle expedition, preventive treatment (Doxycycline, Atovaquone-Proguanil) recommended on medical advice.

Can my children get everything at Pasteur Phnom Penh?

Yes, the institute has a paediatric vaccination service. The French health record is read and completed. Universal vaccines are up to date per the French schedule.

What to do in case of a stray-dog bite?

Immediately: wash the wound with soap for 15 minutes, disinfect with Betadine. Within 24h: go to Institut Pasteur for post-exposure rabies treatment (serum + 4 vaccine doses over 28 days). Total cost about 100-200 USD without complications.

How long before a rural trip should I vaccinate for Japanese encephalitis?

The 2-dose schedule takes 28 days + 14 days for immunity = 6 weeks before departure ideally. In emergency, 1 dose gives partial protection.