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Vaccination Guide to Indonesia
By Dr. Madan M. Vasandani

Indonesia is the biggest archipelago in the whole world. It has more than Thirteen thousand islands it occupies a space that stretches 5100 km from the East to the West and 1900 km the North to the East. The vast space that Indonesia occupies is the reason why it has a variety of disease ranging from Infectious to Non Infectious. Most of the infectious diseases in Indonesia are transmitted via food or mosquito bites. Indonesia has a wide variety of great food and believe it or not mosquito bites are inevitable. Because of this the chances of you getting a tropical disease in Jakarta is very high. To decrease this chance you should be vaccinated or take medication before your trip to Indonesia. If you are already in Indonesia, remember the phrase “Better late than never”.

Typhoid fever is rampant in all parts of Indonesia. It is a food borne disease. This disease is quite debilitating causing high fever, abdominal pain and sometimes diarrhea or constipation. The fever lasts between 5 to 7 days. Typhoid fever itself is not dangerous, but if not properly treated it can cause complications like Hepatitis, Meningitis, Pneumonia and even Bowel Perforation. The famous story of Typhoid Mary is a reality in this part of the world. The carrier rate for Typhoid is very high in Indonesia; hence, transmission knows no boundaries. The Typhoid vaccine is very effective in preventing typhoid. It is given as a single injection once every two years. The vaccine is given to everybody above the age of 2 years.

Hepatitis A and B are other vaccine preventable diseases which are Endemic in Indonesia. Hepatitis A is a food borne illness while Hepatitis B is a blood borne illness. Hepatitis A can be very debilitating in the initial stages while Hepatitis B carries a number of complications. During childhood Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are compulsory vaccines. However a booster dose of these vaccines is required after 10 years. Ensure your Hepatitis vaccines are up to date before coming to Indonesia.

Another infection that is not common in the western world is Rabies. Rabies is endemic in certain parts of Indonesia. The Island Paradise – Bali is not only popular for its pristine beaches and night life but it is also a hub for rabies. If you are coming to Indonesia either for a holiday or for a long stay, it is more than likely that you will travel to Bali. The vaccine is a series of 3 injection given intramuscularly. If you have not got vaccinated and you get bitten by a dog in Bali you will need Rabies Immunoglobulin. This is not easily available and if available it is very very expensive. Ensure that you get this very important vaccine before coming to Indonesia especially if you plan to go to Bali.

Malaria is common only in the forest areas of Indonesia. It is not commonly seen in Jakarta and other cities in Java. However if you plan to travel to Kalimantan, Irian or other forest areas in Indonesia, ensure that you consult your doctor for malaria prophylaxis. These remote areas in Indonesia do not usually have good medical facilities hence it is always best to be prepared.
The saying that Indonesia is Dangerously Beautiful is actually very true. It is beautiful but can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Be safe, Get Vaccinated.

Please contact Global Assitance Medical Centre 24/7 for an appointment, visit of the facilities or corporate agreements;

Cilandak Commercial Estate Unit 111 GC
Jl Raya Cilandak KKO (corner of Jl Ampera & Jl Simatupang)
Jakarta Selatan 12560
Tel: 021 299 78988 Medical Centre
Tel: 021 299 78999 Alarm Centre

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