Vaccinations for Bali and Indonesia

There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Bali. However, there are a number of potential health risks to consider when deciding whether or not to take precautions and get vaccinated against diseases prevalent in Bali and surrounding South East Asian countries, including Indonesia.

Your individual situation, which should be discussed with a healthcare professional, will greatly influence your need for vaccinations for Bali. This advice is general only and should not replace a consultation with a doctor from the Travel Vaccination Clinic.

Here’s what you should discuss with your doctor:

• Ensure your routine vaccinations for Bali are up to date, including tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and diphtheria.
• Check if you are covered for Hepatitis A and typhoid, as these are recommended vaccinations for Bali.
• Discuss your general health and any history of infectious diseases.
• Share detailed travel plans within Bali, especially if you’ll be visiting rural areas or engaging in activities that may increase mosquito bites, such as hiking in the jungle.
• Describe your travel style. For instance, backpacking might increase your risk of coming into contact with infected animals, whereas staying in 5-star hotels might not.
• Discuss the length and purpose of your visit, particularly if you’re considering long-term travel, which might require additional preventive medication.

You should advise the doctor of all of the above, including any risk taking activities or adventure activities you plan on doing while away.

Hepatitis

Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are vaccine preventable diseases and Hepatitis B is now part of the childhood vaccination schedule if you come from Australia originally. If you are unsure of whether you are vaccinated against either or both of these the doctor can make sure you are up to date.

Vaccinations for Bali, such as Hepatitis A and B, are vaccine-preventable diseases. Hepatitis B, in particular, is included in the national immunisation program in Australia. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, the doctor can provide the necessary updates.

Rabies, insect borne diseases, avian flu and typhoid in Bali

Rabies is a serious disease, and rabies vaccines are recommended for those at increased risk. Since 2008, cases of rabies in humans and animals in Bali have been reported. The best defence is avoiding contact with animals and staying informed about disease control measures, such as the rabies vaccination program.

Rabies – avoid all contact with animals

Since 2008 cases of rabies in humans and animals in Bali have been reported. There is an active campaign to stop the spread of the virus on large billboards across the country. Touching dogs, cats, monkeys or other animals in any way is not recommended. Rabies is not only transmitted through dogs, though they are the most common carrier of the virus.

Nothing besides avoiding contact with animals and general good hygiene practice is recommended for short-term visitors, but for those on an extended stay or travelling to work with animals a pre-exposure vaccination can be given to you before you travel. Do speak to your doctor about the risk of rabies before returning to Australia as Australia and New Zealand are two of the few remaining rabies-free countries left in the world.

Pre-empting contact can also be important, as one recent large scale study found that most cases of rabies infected dog bites involved the animal approaching the traveler, rather than the patient approaching the animal. The common adage “I’ll just avoid any animal contact” does not always work in some countries where rabies is prevalent.

Mosquito borne illnesses – Dengue fever and Malaria

For mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever and malaria, the risk varies. Dengue fever, a viral illness, has shown increased prevalence and is a concern for most travellers to tropical regions. While malaria is generally not a threat in the tourist areas of Bali, it is recommended that mosquito bites are avoided and malaria medication taken when travelling to more remote areas.

Dengue Fever:

Denghue fever infection in febrile travelers varies from mild flu-like illness through to severe denghue hemorrhagic fever and hemorrhagic shock syndrome. Its prevalence has substanially increased and is most common in travellers returning from Asia, the Americas and Africa

Malaria:

Malaria is not generally prevalent in the tourist areas of Bali, but it can be present in mosquitos if bitten. In general it is not recommended to take preventative medication for malaria in the more developed parts of Bali, however if travelling to rural or remote village areas or if malaria is contracted medication may be taken to counteract the symptoms. Speak to the doctor about where you are going in Bali and discuss whether or not you should have malaria medication with you. If you have recently returned from a trip to Bali and have flu like symptoms you should see the doctor and get checked for malaria.

Malaria is a complex mosquito borne illness with various strands and drugs available. Different medications may not be able to be taken by people with depression or other illnesses either, so it is essential to have a proper conversation with the doctor about this before requesting medication.

Japanese Encephalitis:

The doctor may also advise vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis if you plan to spend significant time outdoors in undeveloped areas. This mosquito-borne virus can lead to serious health issues, and vaccination can be a critical part of disease control.

Avian flu

Avian flu cases have been reported in Bali; discuss the need for anti-viral medication with your doctor, particularly if you are a long-stay traveller.

Typhoid

Typhoid fever, which affects a number of Australian travellers each year, can be contracted through contaminated food or water. A typhoid vaccination is available and recommended as part of the vaccinations for Bali.

General healthy travel advice for Bali

Aside from diseases that can be prevented through up to date immunization, the main risks associated with travel to Bali include drink spiking, man made or natural disasters and travellers’ diarrhea, cholera and other illnesses that can be prevented through good hygiene practices. An oral cholera vaccination is available and the doctor can assist you if you are interested in getting it.

General health travel advice for Bali, beyond up-to-date immunisation, includes:

• Do not drink or clean your teeth with untreated water; use bottled water instead.
• Always keep an eye on your drinks to prevent drink spiking.
• Carry hand sanitiser or anti-bacterial wipes, especially since public restrooms may lack proper sanitation facilities.
• Follow safe eating and drinking practices to avoid travel-related illnesses like traveller’s diarrhoea and cholera. A cholera vaccine is also available if needed.

By adhering to these guidelines and discussing your travel health with a professional at the Travel Vaccination Clinic, you can minimise the risk of contracting a viral illness or other infections and enjoy a healthy trip to Bali.