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.