Bali, Indonesia Holiday: What Travel Vaccinations Do You Need?

Oh, did you just book a Bali holiday? (Was it ours 😍?) Well, good for you and let us tell you outright – Indonesia is a bucket-list destination in itself, and you’re going to love your getaway. But, you want to check up on all the necessary vaccinations before your fun Bali getaway – props for being a smart traveller, yeh.  

Bali’s tropical climate calls all travellers from every part of the globe, but you can catch something else than the happiness bug – it’s a tropical place, after all. And it is best to take your shots before you make your way to this tropical getaway. Do note that the Indonesian government requires you to have a SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) before you can enter the country. International travellers and tourists are to fill this up and in the case of falling sick within 21 days from arrival, are to present this pass when seeking treatment in a health facility in Indonesia. 

Alright, what vaccinations do I need for Bali?

It’s not just the untimely rains that can play the spoilsport, infections and seasonal flu can too. To stay healthy and enjoy your Bali holiday to the maximum, please ensure you are vaccinated for the following:

1. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) & Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT)
   Tourist from developed countries often receive MMR vaccines at a young age, which is why it’s a good idea to take a booster dose when travelling to Bali – please consult your local physician for additional details and requirements. 
2. Polio
   Polio remains an issue in Indonesia with outbreaks as near as in 2022. That is why polio vaccination is a must for toddlers visiting the island; adults are advised to take a booster dose if a medical practitioner insists. 
3. Influenza
   Commonly known as the flu, it is primarily caused by Influenza virus A and B. Thankfully, seasonal flu can be kept at bay with flu shots. Make sure to have yours before jetting to Bali. 
4. Typhoid
   The bacteria Salmonella Typhi is behind the scourge that is typhoid, a disease known to have ruined many a blissful Bali holiday. The disease spreads primarily through contaminated water, drink and food, and so vaccination plus vigilance is a must to stop typhoid in its tracks. 
5. Malaria
   Malaria is not all that prevalent and places like Bali pose little threat. Still, malaria mosquitoes can lurk in rural areas and it is best to get vaccinated for the same. Malaria vaccines are rather new – and for more on the same, please speak with a licenced medical practitioner.
6. Hepatitis-A
   Hep-A is a common disease and one that spreads quickly in the tropics – Indonesia is no exception. If you aren’t keen on jaundice being the highlight of your Bali trip, make sure your Hepatitis-A vaccinations are in place. 
7. Hepatitis-B
   Hepatitis-B spreads through bodily fluids, especially via sexual contact. While most adults from the first world will have received a Hep-B vaccine, a booster dose doesn’t hurt given that Bali has quite the nightlife and party scene. 
8. Rabies
   In the near past, Bali has witnessed Rabies outbreaks. Contrary to popular belief, rabies is not just transmitted via bites but can be transmitted via licks too. Get yourself vaccinated against rabies if you are going to spend a sizeable chunk of your Bali trip in the tropical jungles or around wildlife. 
9. Japanese Encephalitis
   While chances of contracting Japanese Encephalitis is low when in Bali, catching it cannot be entirely ruled out. If you plan to stay in Bali for a month or more, a booster dose of the vaccine is strongly recommended. 
10. Yellow Fever
    WHO states that humans need a single dose of Yellow Fever vaccine to safeguard against it. Booster doses are not required. The vaccines are safe, affordable and easily available. If you haven’t been vaccinated, make sure you get your shot before landing in Bali, Indonesia. 

Additional Advisory

The following diseases do not have any commercially available vaccines at the moment, but can be prevented with good health practices and vigilance. 

1. Dengue
   Dengue takes quite the toll, and in cases – has taken lives all over the world. Also known as bone fever, this is one of those deadly mosquito-borne disease and travellers are advised to take adequate precautions when in Bali. Be liberal with mosquito repellents and avoid staying out during dawn and dusk. 
2. Zika
   Zika is a mosquito-borne disease that results in mild rashes and fever. Symptoms are not common, and hospitalization is rare. Adults are not at much risk from Zika, but pregnant women in Bali are. Exercise caution when visiting forests, use mosquito and insect repellents and make sure to wear long-sleeved clothes. As of writing, zika vaccines are not commercially available. 
3. Filaria
   Filaria is of significant concern in Indonesia, but not so much in Bali. Given it’s a mosquito-borne disease with no known vaccines, travellers are advised to exercise caution when visiting rural areas and stagnant waterbodies and be liberal with the use of mosquito repellents. 
4. Traveller’s Diarrhoea
   Known by many names across the world and popularly called Bali Belly in Indonesia, this is not strictly a disease but more of a food bug that can ruin your Bali holiday. Common sense goes a long way in preventing Bali belly as does good hygiene practices. For more on Bali belly, check out our definitive Bali Belly blog. 

Vaccines equal a Stress-Free Bali holiday

When visiting Bali, or any tropical destination for that matter, it is a good idea to be thorough with your vaccinations. Besides, vaccines ensure you don’t just have a stress-free Bali getaway, but come back in great spirits too! Speak with a licenced medical practitioner to know which vaccinations you require and plan to take them six to eight weeks before you visit Bali so as to space them out. And while the medical practitioner determines which vaccines you need, our travel experts can help you zero down on places to visit, sights to see and experience to be have had in Bali – all you need to do is call us on 1300 991 751.