Travel Vaccines and Advice for Malaysia
Malaysia has a high amount of biodiversity thanks to its tropical climate and a large population of over 30 million people. Its economy is steady and has some of the best economic records in Asia due to its natural resources and science sectors.
The capital city of of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s other major cities include Ipoh, George Town, and Klang.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Malaysia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Malaysia
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Malaysia?
What Is the Climate Like in Malaysia?
How Safe Is Malaysia?
National Parks in Malaysia
What Should I Pack for Malaysia?
U.S. Embassy to Malaysia
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Malaysia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malaysia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Found year-round in Sarawak. October to December in throughout the country. - Chikungunya –
Mosquito –
Malaysia is a higher risk region. Vaccination is recommended. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Malaysia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travelers, recurrent travelers and travel to rural areas. Found year-round in Sarawak. October to December in throughout the country. |
| Chikungunya | Mosquito | Malaysia is a higher risk region. Vaccination is recommended. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Malaysia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those at higher risk of typhoid exposure. Implementing rigorous hygiene practices and food safety measures is essential for comprehensive protection against infection.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travelers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis, which targets the central nervous system, can be prevented through protective clothing and vaccination. Vaccination provides multiple years of protection.
- Chikungunya – Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, can be prevented by minimizing mosquito exposure and eliminating breeding sites. Vaccination is considered the best form of protection.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Rabid dogs and other species are widespread in Ecuador. Before a trip to the region, you can get pre-exposure vaccination against rabies. Children are more vulnerable.
Medical facilities are common and many doctors are well-trained. Doctors expect payment upfront for any services, though most major cities accept credit cards. Over-the-counter drugs are readily available, but prescriptions must be obtained from doctors.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling 1-888-499-7277 or book online now.
Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using CDC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.
When abroad, prioritize food safety by adhering to CDC guidelines: opt for fully cooked dishes, steer clear of raw seafood, and choose eateries with good hygiene practices. Stick to bottled beverages, be cautious with ice, and drink alcohol responsibly. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea through vigilant hand hygiene and avoiding unsanitary street food.
Altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headaches and fatigue, occurs at high elevations due to oxygen deficiency. To prevent it, ascend gradually, hydrate sufficiently, and consider medication. If symptoms emerge, promptly descend to lower altitudes for recovery.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, significantly impacts global health, affecting up to 400 million people yearly. Without specific antiviral treatments, prevention through avoiding mosquito bites is key. Repellents and nettings are recommended.
A passport that is valid for at least six months is required for entry into Malaysia. You don’t need a visa if your stay is under 90 days. When you enter the country, you will receive a social visit pass, which serves as a visa for 90 days.
Malaysia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Malaysia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Malaysia and U.S. State Department
If you travel to the states of Sabah and Sarawak, you must have your passport to enter and exit. Immigration officers in Malaysia don’t allow entry for U.S.-Israeli Dual Nationals when if they show their Israeli passport.
Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations have a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures all year round. Kuala Lumpur has a tropical rainforest climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Langkawi has a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall from September to November.
Penang has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, from April to May and from October to November. Malacca also has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons, from April to May and from October to November.
The best time to visit these destinations varies, but generally, it’s best to visit when it’s dry and sunny.
There is a continued terrorist threat in Malaysia for U.S. travelers. There is a high presence of terrorist supporters in Malaysia.
If you are traveling to Sabah, use extreme caution. Kidnappings and violence from terrorist groups are known to occur. Be careful on ferries off of the coast, as terrorist may target these.
Due to these concerns, all U.S. government employees must obtain written permission from the Embassy to visit eastern Sabah.
Petty theft is common in Kuala Lumpur. Stay away from public demonstrations. If you are a woman, try not to travel by yourself, especially at night.
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
Malaysia is well known to its biodiversity, which attracts tourists to its many national parks.
One of the most popular national parks among botanists include Gunung Gading National Park. This park is home to the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia. The best time to see these three-foot flowers is between November and January.
Tunku Abdul National Park is another popular park located on Manukan Island. Tunku Abdul is best known for its beaches and coral reefs. The island also provides some of the best tourist facilities in Malaysia. The island is accessible by ferry.
Other national parks include Bako National Park, Turtle Islands National Park, and Kinabalu Park.
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Malaysia:
- Clothing made of breathable and light fabric.
- Umbrella or ponchos. It rains often in Malaysia, be prepared to get wet.
- Mosquito repellent and nets. Mosquito-carried viruses are common in Malaysia. Always cover yourself in repellent, wear clothing that covers open skin and cover your bed with a mosquito bed at night.
- Shoes that are easy to remove. It’s common for homes and buildings to ask you to remove your shoes before entering.
All Americans visiting Malaysia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Malaysia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
376 Jalan Tun Razak
50400 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone: 60-3-2168-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(60) (3) 2168-5000 (press 1 at the recording)
Fax: +(60) (3) 2148-5801
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at 1-888-499-7277 or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Malaysia
“Nurse at the Reston location was excellent. Did a real nice explaining the issues w. travel to Malaysia.”
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