Vaccination Guide for Pakistan
Planning vaccinations is an essential part of travel preparation for Pakistan. Some vaccines are legally required, while others are strongly recommended to protect your health.
Important: Visit a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses over several weeks.
Required Vaccines
Yellow Fever
- Required if: arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever-endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America)
- You must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at immigration
- The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before arrival
- Lifetime validity after single dose
Polio
- Required for: travellers staying more than 4 weeks in Pakistan, or as required by destination country on departure from Pakistan
- Pakistan is one of the few remaining countries where wild poliovirus circulates
- An Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) booster may be administered at exit
- Check if your home country requires polio vaccination proof when returning from Pakistan
Strongly Recommended Vaccines
| Vaccine | Why | Doses | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated food/water risk | 2 doses (0, 6-12 months) | Essential. Provides long-term protection. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood/body fluid contact | 3 doses (0, 1, 6 months) | Recommended for all travellers, especially healthcare workers. |
| Typhoid | Contaminated food/water | 1 injection or 4 oral capsules | Highly recommended. Common in Pakistan. Injection lasts 2-3 years. |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | Wounds, contamination | Booster every 10 years | Ensure your routine booster is up to date. |
| Rabies | Dog/animal bites | 3 pre-exposure doses | Recommended if visiting rural areas, trekking, or staying long-term. Stray dogs are common. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito-borne virus | 2 doses (0, 28 days) | Consider for rural areas in Sindh and Punjab during monsoon season. |
Malaria Prevention
- Risk areas: Lowland areas below 2,000m — particularly Sindh, Balochistan, southern Punjab, and KPK. Karachi has seasonal risk.
- Low/no risk: Islamabad, northern mountain areas above 2,000m (Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows).
- Prophylaxis: Doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), or mefloquine. Consult your travel clinic for the best option.
- Prevention: Use DEET-based insect repellent. Wear long sleeves at dusk. Sleep under mosquito nets in endemic areas. Use treated bed nets.
- Type: Predominantly P. vivax with some P. falciparum.
Routine Vaccines to Check
Ensure the following routine vaccinations are up to date:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- DTaP/Tdap (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Influenza (seasonal flu shot)
- COVID-19 (latest booster)
Approximate Vaccination Costs
Costs vary by country and provider. As a rough guide (UK/US private travel clinic):
| Vaccine | UK (approx.) | US (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | £50-80 | $60-100 |
| Hepatitis B | £35-60 per dose | $50-80 per dose |
| Typhoid | £30-50 | $40-80 |
| Rabies (3 doses) | £120-180 total | $300-600 total |
| Yellow Fever | £60-80 | $150-300 |
| Polio booster | Free (NHS) or £30 | $40-60 |
Some vaccines (Hep B, Polio) may be available free through national health services. Check with your GP/doctor first.
Related Guides
Must-Have
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Polio booster
- Yellow Fever (if applicable)
- Rabies (if trekking)