Indonesia Travel Vaccinations

Planning a trip to Indonesia? If you're travelling soon then don't forget about your health essentials. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about what travel vaccinations you might need for your journey. Explore recommended vaccines, malaria advice, potential health risks, and how to book travel vaccinations with Well Pharmacy to help you prepare for your trip.

The recommended travel vaccinations for Indonesia largely depend on the following factors:

• The length of your stay
• Which parts of Indonesia you're going to be visiting
• Whether you’ll be spending time in rural areas
• Any planned activities such as trekking, volunteering, or backpacking
• Your vaccination history

However, generally speaking, you can use the clinical guidance below* to help prepare for your appointment with us.

• Routine UK vaccinations – you should be up to date with any routine vaccinations and boosters recommended according to your age, medical history, and individual risks. This includes checking that vaccinations such as MMR and Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio are up to date.
• Yellow Fever certificate – there is no risk of Yellow Fever in Indonesia, but a vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months and over who are travelling from or through a high-risk Yellow Fever country. This includes for long flight layovers (more than 12 hours). If you’re travelling directly from the UK, a certificate isn't necessary.

• Hepatitis A – this is a viral infection spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with an infected person. As it's well-tolerated and offers long-lasting protection, the vaccination is recommended for anyone travelling to Indonesia who hasn’t previously had it.
• Tetanus – caused by bacteria found in soil and manure which can enter the body through wounds, burns, or scratches. Most people in the UK should have already completed a Tetanus vaccination course as part of the routine schedule, but a booster dose might be recommended if this was more than 10 years ago, and if medical facilities might be limited where you’re going.
• Typhoid – a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. This vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Indonesia, especially if you’re visiting friends or relatives, staying for longer periods, or visiting areas where food and water standards might be different to those in the UK.

• Hepatitis B – a viral infection spread through infected blood and bodily fluids. Indonesia is considered to have an intermediate or high prevalence of Hepatitis B, so vaccination is recommended, especially for those who plan on staying for an extended period, playing contact sports, or engaging in unprotected sex.
• Rabies – a viral infection usually spread through the bite, scratch, or saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is considered a risk in Indonesia and has been reported in domestic animals, so vaccination is recommended, particularly for those staying for longer periods, handling animals, or planning higher risk activities such as running or cycling.
• Japanese Encephalitis – this is a mosquito-borne infection that occurs countrywide in Indonesia, with year-round risk. Vaccination should be strongly considered for anyone staying in JE-endemic area, and for those unsure of their itinerary, location and activities, as visiting rice fields or pig farms can offer increased risk.
• Chikungunya – a viral infection spread mainly by daytime-feeding mosquitoes. Vaccination might be considered for travellers aged 12+ who are travelling to regions with an existing Chikungunya outbreak, or visiting Indonesia for an extended period.
• Dengue – a viral infection spread by mosquitos who mainly feed during the day. It can cause a flu-like illness and become life-threatening, though severe Dengue is rare in travellers. There is confirmed risk of Dengue in Indonesia, so travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, and consider vaccination if you're aged 4+ and have had Dengue previously.
• Tuberculosis (TB) – a BCG vaccination is only recommended for specific travel groups, including if you’re under 16 and planning on staying in Indonesia for more than 3 months (and have not previously been given the BCG vaccination), or if you’re at risk due to the nature of your work, such as healthcare.
• Measles – the risk of Measles in Indonesia is considered greater than that in the UK due to current outbreaks, damaged infrastructure and poor vaccine coverage. It’s recommended to check you’re up to date with your MMR or MMRV vaccines according to UK recommendations.

• Diarrhoea – an upset stomach from contaminated food or water can be common when travelling. It’s important to be mindful with your food and drink choices and to wash or sanitise your hands regularly to help reduce your risk.
• Dehydration – Indonesia has a hot climate which increases risk of dehydration, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors directly in the sun. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, apply high-factor sun protection regularly, and take frequent breaks in the shade when you can.
• Malaria - risk of Malaria in Indonesia can vary depending on region. In Irian Jaya (Papua) there is a high risk, while in Bali, Lombok and the islands of Java and Sumatra, there is a low risk, though it’s recommended to be aware and take precautions to avoid insect bites. Anti-malarial tablets are available with Well Pharmacy, so you can chat to your pharmacist if you’re unsure whether you’ll need them for your trip.
• Zika virus - there is a risk of Zika virus in Indonesia. It’s spread via daytime-feeding mosquitos and is a particular risk for pregnant women or women who are likely to become pregnant on return from the trip. If you or someone you’re travelling with fits into this category, you should speak to a healthcare professional about whether it’s safe to travel, and any necessary steps you can take for protection.