Vaccinations for Traveling in Indonesia

As an independent traveler who does your own planning of routes and activities, it is most important to also plan for your own health and safety. You would want to be independent but being sick and hurt is not really fun and could potentially cause you to end your travels! It is generally well advised to check that your common immunizations are up to date before traveling to Indonesia. Also you might want to take extra boosts with the possible health risks listed below.

But do not fear as all in all if you mostly take precautions, the health risks can be greatly minimized. If traveling off the beaten tracks, make sure you’re have taken your vaccines and you are well prepared like packing in your insect repellants. Also always be careful when coming in contact with animals.

Vaccinations and Health in Indonesia

Immunizations

Primary courses and boosts are up to date, commonly advised ones are diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and cholera.
Yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from areas with risk of yellow fever.

How possible diseases here may spread:
Tetanus – contracted through cuts/scratches with serious infection
Typhoid and Hepatitis A – from contaminated food and water
Cholera – also through contaminated water and food
Diphtheria – through personal contact
Hepatitis B – through infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse
Japanese encephalitis – by mosquitoes
Rabies – bites or licks from infected animal
Dengue fever – mosquito bites
Shcistosomiasis – parasitic infection through fresh water

Malaria Risks

There are also risks of Malaria but mostly to only far out places away from large cities or tourist popular places like Bali and Java. Always avoid mosquito bites by covering up or using insect repellants.

Other common traveler’s health issues:
Traveler’s diarrhea – it could be quite common here if you are not used to the food and hygiene. Just in case, pack in ciproflaxin for bacteria and also loperamide to aid in your diarrhea. Before all these, always ensure you intake enough water.
Cuts/bruises – always take adequate medical aid for small emergencies.
Altitude sickness – if you plan to do hiking or trekking in mountains, take note of possibility of altitude sickness. Always ascend slowly, acclimatize and take with you the appropriate medication for it if you think you need.