When traveling to different parts of the world, one of the most difficult questions to figure out is what vaccines are necessary and where to go. In the broken U.S. healthcare system, there is no shortage of places to go, but there are many problems. The Thai Travel Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand is a great affordable and easy way to start your Southeast Asian adventure.
Related: Getting to Khao Yai National Park
Avoid expensive travel vaccines in the United States
Even if you have good insurance, travel vaccines in the United States can be pricy. Often times insurance does not cover the costs. For example, Twin Rix can run up to $150.00. The Yellow Fever vaccine can cost between $150.00 and $300.00. At the Thai Travel Clinic, these vaccines will set you back $23 and $36 respectively. Most vaccines here are in the $10 to $20 range.
Another reason not to get these shots in the United States is can you really trust your doctor/clinic to give you the advice you need? Since healthcare is for profit, clinics in the United States will advise you to get as much as possible. The costs at the Thai Travel Clinic are so affordable, that even if they do suggest unnecessary vaccines, it will not break your budget. I did not feel like they swayed me to get unnecessary shots at the Thai Travel Clinic.
Make an appointment online
I made an appointment online, and submitted the questionnaire to their email. I immediately received a confirm email and then a follow up reminder email.
Getting to the Thai Travel Clinic
I would suggest leaving a little early as it is a little confusing getting there. Get off at the BTS Victory Monument Station. The map on their website for arrival is accurate; however, exiting the BTS can be confusing. If you do not choose the right exit, you will not be on the right street. The Clinic is inside the Hospital for Tropical Diseases. It is on the third floor. You can give a taxi that information, and they be able to find it.
Last appointment of the weekend
My appointment was for 3:30 p.m. on a Friday. They were motivated to get me in and out as soon as possible, so they could start their weekend. They took my blood pressure and weight, and I was immediately ushered in to see a doctor.
Doctor consultation at the Thai Travel Clinic
I informed the doctor of my medical history, past inoculations, and about my trip. She recommended I get a flu shot, tetanus shot, and a Japanese Encephalitis shot. She also recommended a rabies prevention shot. Unfortunately, the rabies shot requires two inoculations in a one week interval. If you want a rabies prevention shot, you need to be able to have the second shot administered in one week. I was leaving Bangkok in three days, so I could not get this one.
I also requested a yellow fever shot. For $36, this was a deal I could not pass up. I would like to visit Brazil in the near future, and I know they require a yellow fever shot, so I am now covered to visit Brazil. Check out their website to see available vaccines and prices.
Thai Travel Clinic staff were efficient and super friendly
The staff at the Thai Travel Clinic were incredibly nice and friendly. Not a surprise if you have spent any time in Thailand. The doctor and the nurses spoke enough English to effectively communicate. I speak almost no Thai, so any problems were on me, but nothing that impacted the service and the experience.
Four shots for under $100
I left the Thai Travel Clinic $100 lighter in my pocket, but with the peace of mind that I would be safer on this trip and in upcoming travels. I highly recommend bypassing the overpriced United States healthcare system in order to get your vaccinations done in Bangkok.
Travel vaccine book
Before I left, I was given a handy travel vaccine booklet showing I received the yellow fever shot and the other inoculations. I can now show this upon entry to countries that require this vaccination. As I was leaving, three nurses and the doctor waived and wished me a great trip.