Indonesia forum

Vaccinations for Java and Bali?

travelinchen

tout
Posts: 67

Now, I know it may be a bit late for this (we#re leaving in ten days), but would you recommend any vaccinations for Java, Bali and Gili Islands? So, we're basically planning a rather beaten track -- Yogya, Malang, Mt. Bromo, Ijen crater, coffee plantations around there, over to Bali, Ubud and around, then Gili islands.

Would be great to hear from you!

#1 Posted: 15/7/2011 - 19:42
busylizzy

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I would suggest that they are not required for the areas that you are going to. If you wanted to be extra careful, tetanus is always good to have (no matter where you go) and maybe Hep A - but honestly, for those places I really wouldn't bother.

Just be aware that there is an outbreak of rabies in Bali but as I understand it, it's mostly in the upper villages of the island. You are unlikely to come across an rabid dogs - but I wouldn't go walking up to any strays either with the intention of petting it. Likewise, keep away from the nasty monkeys who swarm the temple areas. They are also carriers of rabies, although I haven't heard of them being rabid in Bali. But in spite of the cute faces they have nasty fangs!

If it were me,given the areas that you mention, I wouldn't bother with any vacs.

#2 Posted: 16/7/2011 - 06:13

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screamin

longtail driver
Posts: 7

I'm with busylizzy I wouldn't worry about vaccinations but just make sure your tetanus is up to date . I was in Bali in March 2011 and no worries with rabies at all , but in saying that like busylizzy said give the dogs and monkeys a wide berth .
I find it better to go the monkey forest in Ubud towards the end of the day when the monkeys are all worn out and full after all the tourists have been .

#3 Posted: 23/7/2011 - 12:45

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travelinchen

tout
Posts: 67

I actually have no idea whether our tetanus vaccinations are still up to date. I left my vaccination passport at my mum's who's on holiday herself right now. Moreover, monday -- the day we fly -- is the last day we could get any vaccinations. I don't know whether they give you a tetanus shot if you don't know whether you had one or not? And as for hepatitis A, should we get it anyway on monday?

#4 Posted: 23/7/2011 - 15:15
TheodoraZ

longtail driver
Posts: 6

North of 130 Balinese have died of rabies in the last couple of years, so I'd recommend you get your shots: otherwise, if you get bitten, it's a month-long course, and your insurance won't cover the cost. You may have left it too late, though, as it's a series of jabs.

Be aware, also, that there's a risk of malaria in parts of East Java, and you might want to consider antimalarials. You can buy doxy in Indonesia over the counter for pennies.

I'd get a tetanus shot and a hep A shot to be on the safe side.

Theodora
http://travelswithanineyearold.com

#5 Posted: 25/7/2011 - 14:35
travelinchen

tout
Posts: 67

thanks, we're flying in three hours from now now. Will be too late for the Hep shots (and rabies).
As for the rabies -- my insurance back home would certainly cover the costs for it, but hopefully it just won't come to it. We'll avoid all kind of animals.

Good to know we can get doxy over in indonesia.

Do you think we are taking quite a risk in not having any vaccination nor antimalaria tablets?

#6 Posted: 25/7/2011 - 15:09