Travel Vaccinations for Bangladesh

Malaria

Malaria risk in Bangladesh is largely confined to the Chittagong Hill Tract districts:

• Bandarban
• Khagrachari
• Rangamati

Travellers visiting these regions may require:

• Prescription antimalarial medication
• Strict mosquito bite avoidance measures

The remainder of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chittagong city, is considered very low risk where bite prevention alone is usually sufficient.

Antimalarial tablets are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber.

Dengue and mosquito-borne illness

Dengue fever is widespread in Bangladesh with significant seasonal outbreaks reported regularly.

Aedes mosquitoes bite during daytime hours, so travellers should:

• Use insect repellent during both day and night
• Wear covering clothing
• Sleep in screened or air-conditioned accommodation where possible

Japanese encephalitis is present in parts of Bangladesh, particularly rural northern and north-western regions and areas within Chittagong division.

Vaccination may be recommended for:

• Rural travel
• Stays longer than one month
• Monsoon or post-monsoon travel
• Uncertain itineraries

Rabies

Rabies is present in dogs, cats and bats throughout Bangladesh.

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for:

• Longer stays
• Rural travel
• Children
• Animal exposure risk

If exposed:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic if available
• Attend hospital or A&E immediately

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is endemic in parts of Bangladesh, with documented activity in northern and north-western districts and within the Chittagong division.

Vaccination may be recommended for:

• Rural travel
• Stays of one month or longer
• Travel during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons
• Uncertain or flexible itineraries

Other Health Risks

Traveller’s diarrhoea is common in Bangladesh. Food and water hygiene precautions are important to reduce the risk of hepatitis A, typhoid and gastrointestinal illness.

Travellers should:

• Drink sealed bottled or treated water
• Avoid ice from unknown sources
• Practise regular hand hygiene

Nipah virus outbreaks have occasionally been linked to raw date palm sap between December and April. Travellers should avoid consuming unpasteurised sap products.

Air quality in Dhaka is frequently poor, and high heat and humidity can be significant between April and October.

Visiting Friends and Relatives

Travellers visiting friends and relatives in Bangladesh are considered higher risk for infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A.

Even repeat travellers should consider a pre-travel health review to ensure vaccination protection remains up to date.

Routine UK Vaccines to Check

Before travel, ensure routine immunisations are up to date:

• Td/IPV (tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster)
• MMR (two documented doses)

When to Book

We recommend booking your Bangladesh travel vaccination appointment four to eight weeks before departure.

This allows time to complete multi-dose vaccine courses where required, including rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

What We Can Supply

Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.

During your visit we can:

• Assess your itinerary and travel health risks
• Provide personalised vaccination advice
• Administer appropriate travel vaccines
• Support mosquito bite prevention planning
• Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required

Antimalarials and other prescription-only medicines are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber.

Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with Bangladesh travel vaccinations and personalised travel health consultations.

Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.