For all of you who live in the Western hemisphere, the thought of going to Indonesia might sound quite dreamy and exotic.
Breakfast by the sea, morning yoga down the beach, tanning sessions, cocktail glasses, you name it.
Admittedly, the tropics always bring your imagination to the island breeze and the swaying coconut trees. If you are planning to spend your next holiday in Bali, which, by the way, is located within Indonesian territory; it’s best be known to you what health-related issues you might encounter during your stay, and how to prevent it by preparing one or two things before you depart.
Routine Vaccines,
There is no way we can underline this one enough. It is extremely important for travellers coming from the first countries with excellent health care to complete your routine vaccines before a trip to the East.
Even though some of the countries have decent health care for their people, it is important to remember that we do have different virus and parasites from what you have in your homeland. MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertusis, varicella or chickenpox and polio vaccines are the foundation to make sure your holiday is spent as planned.
Don’t underestimate the wonder of yearly flu shots too as it might save you from any mild inconvenience during your stay.
Additional Vaccines and Medicines,
Other than making sure you get your routine vaccines before your trip, you should consider to also get shots and/or medicines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Malaria, and Rabies, depending on which part of Indonesia you are planning to go to.
Bali, for example, is known for its canine inhabitants roaming free on the island’s streets.
Local government has long been paying attention for the phenomenon; providing free rabies shots for local dogs every other month to minimize the chance of it spreading across the island, but it might still be a good idea for you to also get a rabies shot and make sure you won’t get anything nasty from the island’s adorable pups.
If, however, you’re reading this too late and you’re already here in this beautiful little island, worry not.
You can still walk around and spread your love for the pups without fearing that you’d get rabies infection. Simply come to our clinics and ask for a rabies shot; our board-certified staff will gladly serve you and help you administer the vaccine and you’ll be walking out with a new-found freedom to pet and say hello to the island’s rare breed dogs.
Until then, and have a lovely holiday.
