Hip replacement surgery involves more than just the operation. Recovery takes time, and your body is more vulnerable in the weeks that follow. Infections picked up during or after surgery can cause serious setbacks—and in some cases, lead to complications involving the artificial joint itself.

For this reason, many doctors recommend reviewing and updating key vaccinations in advance. If you’re planning surgery in a different country, such as Vietnam, there are additional considerations based on local disease exposure and the logistics of arranging follow-up care. This guide outlines the recommended vaccines, ideal timing, and what to consider when preparing for surgery abroad.

Why Vaccinations Are Recommended

After surgery, the immune system is temporarily weakened. Even a common illness like the flu or a mild respiratory infection can delay healing, cause complications, or trigger a fever that interferes with your recovery.

The most serious risk is a prosthetic joint infection (PJI). This can happen if bacteria enter the bloodstream during recovery and attach to the new implant. These infections are rare but difficult to treat and may require removal of the prosthesis.

Vaccines won’t eliminate all risk, but they can significantly reduce the chance of getting certain infections that are known to cause complications after surgery.

Recommended Vaccines Before Hip Replacement

These are the vaccines most often recommended before major surgery, especially if you are staying in hospital or travelling for the procedure.

✅ Pneumococcal (PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23)

• Purpose: Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections
• When: At least 2 weeks before surgery
• Duration: 5–10+ years

✅ Influenza (Flu)

• Purpose: Reduces the risk of post-op respiratory infections
• When: 2–4 weeks before surgery, timed to local flu season
• Duration: 6–12 months

✅ COVID-19

• Purpose: Prevents respiratory illness and avoids surgery delays
• When: If due, get booster 2–4 weeks before surgery
• Duration: Varies; booster schedules typically every 6–12 months

✅ Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap or Td)

• Purpose: Covers infections that may enter through wounds
• When: Any time if not done in the past 10 years
• Duration: 10 years

✅ Hepatitis B (or Twinrix: Hep A + B combo)

• Purpose: Protects against blood-borne infection during medical care
• When: Best started several months before surgery, though fast-track options exist
• Duration: 20+ years

✅ Travel-Related Vaccines (Hep A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis)

• Purpose: Depends on region and length of stay
• Vietnam-specific:
  • Hep A: Recommended due to local exposure risk
  • Typhoid: May be advised for longer stays or rural travel
  • Japanese Encephalitis: Only needed if staying long-term in rural areas

Timing and Planning

Not all vaccines need to be timed right before surgery. Some provide long-term protection and can be done well in advance. Others are more seasonal or time-sensitive.

Safe to receive more than 6 months before surgery:

• Pneumococcal
• Tetanus (Td/Tdap)
• Hepatitis A and B (or Twinrix)

Better timed 2–4 weeks before surgery:

• Influenza
• COVID-19 (if not already up to date)
• Typhoid injection (oral version lasts longer)

Spacing vaccines out over several weeks can help avoid multiple side effects at once and gives time for full immune response.

If You’re Having Surgery in Vietnam

There are a few added factors to consider when arranging hip surgery in Vietnam:

• Local disease exposure: Some infections, such as hepatitis A, are more common than in Western countries
• Hospital stays: Extended time in hospital can raise the risk of respiratory or blood-borne infections
• Vaccine documentation: Some clinics may ask for COVID-19 or flu vaccination records
• Access to vaccines: It’s often easier to complete your vaccination schedule before travelling
• Follow-up care: Having protection in place before entering the hospital system abroad reduces the number of last-minute decisions

VNVC is one of the better-known vaccination centres in Vietnam, with branches nationwide. They publish an up-to-date price list, which includes both international and travel-related vaccines. See it here:
https://vnvc.vn/en/price-list/

Vaccine Checklist for Pre-Surgery Review

This list can be taken to a doctor or vaccination clinic to confirm which vaccines are up to date and which are recommended:

• Pneumococcal (PCV20 or PCV15 + PPSV23)
• Influenza (flu shot)
• COVID-19 booster
• Tetanus / Diphtheria / Pertussis (Tdap or Td)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A (or Twinrix: Hep A + B combined)
• Typhoid (oral or injection)
• Japanese Encephalitis (if staying rural long-term)