Learn more about the diseases you may need protection from & the vaccinations to consider for your trip to Bali
From enjoying the beautiful beaches to seeing the sights and immersing yourself into the culture, you’ll also want to help stay as safe as possible during your trip to Bali.
There are a number of diseases you could encounter in Bali which you wouldn’t normally encounter in the UK. These include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and tetanus, all of which can be vaccinated against at Boots.
It’s recommended to seek travel health advice six to eight weeks before your trip to find out what vaccinations you should consider before going to Bali.
At Boots, we offer a Travel Vaccinations and Health Advice Service* and our specially trained pharmacist or nurse in store is able to provide tailored advice during one of our travel health advice appointments. They’ll provide you with information about recommendations depending on things like:
• Which regions you’re visiting
• What activities you’re doing
• Your age and general health
What happens during a travel health advice appointment?
During your travel health advice appointment, one of our travel pharmacists or nurses will:
• Conduct a personalised risk assessment
• Discuss the vaccinations and health advice to consider based on your specific needs
• Discuss antimalarial options tailored to your travel itinerary, if appropriate
• Provide advice to help reduce your risk of diseases whilst on your trip
Our travel health pharmacist or nurse will also provide any vaccinations you’ve chosen to have during the appointment and schedule any further appointments you may need to complete a course.
We want you to feel confident and informed about the protection you're receiving. During the appointment our trained pharmacist or nurse will explain the purpose of each vaccination along with the benefits and any risks to consider.
What do I need for my travel health advice appointment?
To get the most out of your travel health appointment, don’t forget to bring:
• Details about your trip (like destination, date of the trip, duration and planned activities)
• Details of any medical condition(s) or medication you're taking
• History of previous vaccinations, if known
Book a travel health advice appointment
When it comes to booking your travel health advice appointment, it’s best to schedule it six to eight weeks before you travel so that you can have all your chosen vaccinations before travelling, particularly if multiple doses are required.
Diseases in Bali
Below are some of the diseases you may need protection from in Bali:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus that spreads in poo. It’s mainly caught from contaminated food and water. There’s a higher risk of catching it if you’re a long-stay traveller, visiting family and friends or staying in areas with poor sanitation. It’s important to maintain good hygiene and take steps like regularly washing your hands and drinking bottled water.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection commonly spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. There’s a higher risk of catching it if you’re a long-stay traveller or have unprotected sex. It’s recommended to use a condom during sexual activity and to avoid sharing things like razors, needles and toothbrushes.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection that can affect many organs in the body. It’s caught from consuming contaminated food or water and can cause symptoms including a persistent high temperature that gradually increases day by day, and a headache.
There’s a higher risk of catching it if you’re visiting family and friends or going to areas that have poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. It’s recommended to maintain good personal hygiene and food and water practices, such as washing food in safe water and drinking bottled water or fresh boiled water.
Rabies
Rabies is a rare but serious viral infection that impacts the nervous system. It can be passed onto humans from a bite or scratch from an infected animal, particularly dogs and bats. It’s almost always fatal if not treated early. Access to medical care may be limited in remote areas, so it’s important to be aware of the risk and know how to help protect yourself.
Tetanus
Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria getting into a wound. It can cause muscles in the body to tighten which can lead to difficulties swallowing and breathing.
Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhoea. It can be caught from drinking unclean water, eating food that’s been in unclean water or handled by an infected person. It's recommended to maintain good personal hygiene and food and water practices.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a serious and highly contagious infection that can affect the nose and throat, and sometimes the skin. It’s spread through coughs and sneezes or through close contact with an infected person. You can also get it by sharing items such as cups, cutlery, clothing or bedding with someone who’s infected. The risk is higher in areas with poor sanitation, so it’s important to maintain good hygiene practices like washing your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious infection caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. It’s recommended to help avoid mosquito bites by sleeping under a mosquito net treated with insecticide, covering up skin with clothing like long-sleeved tops and using insect repellent on exposed skin, with at least 50% DEET.
Measles
Measles is an infection that can spread very easily and lead to more serious problems if left untreated. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and high temperature, followed by a rash and sometimes small spots in the mouth. It’s spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s recommended to wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water and avoid sharing things like cutlery, cups, towels, clothes or bedding.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes painful swellings in the side of the face under the ears. It’s spread in the same way as cold and flu, by infected droplets of saliva that can be inhaled or picked up from surfaces and transferred into the mouth or nose.
Rubella
Rubella is a rare illness that causes a spotty rash. It’s spread through coughs and sneezes, so it’s recommended to wash your hands regularly in soap and warm water and avoid sharing things like cutlery, cups, towels, clothes or bedding. The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended as the best way to help prevent the illness.
Polio
Polio is a rare but serious infection that’s caught by coming into contact with the poo of an infected person, for example, by not washing your hands properly and putting them in your mouth, or from contaminated food or water. It’s important to maintain good hygiene and take steps like washing your hands after using the toilet.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that usually affects the lungs and can be serious if not treated. It spreads when someone with active TB coughs and its main treatment is antibiotics.
What vaccinations may I need for Bali?
Before traveling to Bali, you should consider the following vaccinations:
Hepatitis A and B: These vaccinations protect against viral infections that can cause liver disease. The hepatitis B vaccination usually involves a course of three injections compared to a single dose for the hepatitis A vaccination.
Typhoid: The typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Ideally, it should be given at least one month before you travel, but it can be given closer to your travel date if necessary.
Rabies: A course of three rabies vaccinations is recommended, particularly if you're engaging in activities that increase your risk, such as outdoor activities where you may come into contact with infected animals.
Tatnus: If you haven't received a tetanus dose in the last 10 years, you may be advised to get a booster.
Childhood immunisations: Wherever you’re travelling to, it’s recommended to make sure your childhood immunisations are up to date for the following:
• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Diphtheria, tetanus and polio
Quick check tool
No matter where you’re jetting off to, you can use our quick check tool to get a list of diseases that may be present in the area as well as information on vaccinations to consider for your destination.
