Travel to or staying in Indonesia can pose some health risks to Westerners who have never been exposed to the disease threats in that region of the world.
Before you go to Indonesia, you should make an appointment with your doctor or pay a visit to a travelers’ health clinic at least 1 to 2 months in advance of your departure. Specialized travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information. The doctors will take into account factors such as past vaccination history, the length of your trip, activities you may be undertaking and underlying medical conditions, such as pregnancy.
Most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, so visit a doctor four to eight weeks before departure. If you miss your shots, and you are already in Indonesia, Medic One can provide it for you at your home or at your office.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccinations for travelers to Southeast Asia:
THESE 5 ARE RECOMMENDED FOR EXPATRIATES LIVING IN INDONESIA OR FOR LONG-TERM TRAVELERS (MORE THAN ONE MONTH) OR THOSE AT SPECIAL RISK:
- Typhoid Recommended unless your trip is less than a week and only to developed cities. The vaccine offers around 70% protection, lasts for two to three years and comes as a single shot. A must for anyone who plans to consume food or drink that is not prepared at a major hotel or restaurant chain should seek immunization against typhoid
- Hepatitis B Now considered routine for most travelers. Given as three shots over six months. Lifetime protection occurs in 95% of people. This is a definite must if you are an expat working in Indonesia or if your trip is going to bring you into close contact with the locals, especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluid.
- Japanese B Encephalitis Three injections in all. Booster recommended after two years. Sore arm and headache are the most common side effects.
- Hepatitis A Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year, a booster after 12 months provides at least another 20 years’ protection. Mild side effects such as headache and sore arm occur in 5% to 10% of people.
- Seasonal influenza This vaccine is recommended by CDC to all adult to minimize the risk of infection. This vaccine is especially important for those whose age >50 years old, having chronic disorder of cardiovascular or pulmonary system including asthma, diabetes, renal and hepatic dysfunction, immunocompromising condition, etc. This vaccine is given in one shot annually.
THESE 5 ARE OPTIONAL, ASK YOUR DOCTOR:
- Adult diphtheria and tetanus Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10 years. Side effects include sore arm and fever.
- Measles, mumps and rubella two doses of MMR required unless you have had the diseases. Many young adults require a booster.
- Polio Only one booster required as an adult for lifetime protection. Inactivated polio vaccine is safe during pregnancy.
- Varicella if you haven’t had chickenpox, discuss this vaccination with your doctor.
- Yellow fever immunizations if you are coming to Indonesia via a region of the Americas or Africa where yellow fever outbreaks occur.
- Meningitis Single injection. Recommended for long-term backpackers aged under 25.
- Tuberculosis Adult long-term travelers are usually recommended to have a TB skin test before and after travel, rather than vaccination. Only one vaccine given in a lifetime.
- Rabies Recommended for travelers to rabies endemic countries, especially rural area where animal such as dogs roam freely. Three injections is required. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years’ protection. Side effects are rare – occasionally headache and sore arm.
