Spring is here and it’s now the time most people start thinking about summer holidays, visiting family or planning business trips outside the UK. Planning a trip abroad might also include booking vaccinations.
A popular long-haul destination is Indonesia and in particular the islands of Bali, Java, Sumatra, Lombok, the Gili Islands, Flores and the Komodo National Park.
Most vaccinations need to be administered at periods of between 6 weeks and 2 weeks before travel. But, in the case of Hepatitis A and B, the first dose needs to be given 6 months before travel.
So, it’s important to plan ahead. But, if you can’t meet the timelines, then just have the vaccines that you can fit in because it is better to have some protection, than none at all.
Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Routine vaccinations include:
Almost all travellers are recommended to have:
Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is available as an injectable or an oral capsule. The injectable is one dose which must be administered at least 2 weeks before travel. The oral capsule is 3 doses of one capsule which again, must be administered at least 2 weeks before travel
The tetanus booster is recommended if you have not been vaccinated in the last 10 years. It is included with diphtheria and polio. It needs to be given at least a week before travel.
Like typhoid, hepatitis is transmitted through contaminated food and water. The vaccine is available for young people of 16 and over and adults. There are 2 doses in a course. The first dose must be administered at least 2 weeks before travel. The second dose must be given 6 to 12 months later for long term protection.
Rabies is a risk in Indonesia. Less so for travellers holidaying in purpose-built holiday complexes. However, if you are staying with family in rural areas, or intend to explore by hiking or cycling and are staying longer than one month, a vaccine will protect you.
If you plan to stay in an area where there is a risk of Chikungunya, dengue, or Japanese encephalitis, then vaccinations to protect you from these infections are recommended.
Long-stay travellers, healthcare workers, people who work with animals and young people travelling through the country may also benefit from a hepatitis B vaccination. Normally the vaccination must be administered at least 6 months before travel, but an accelerated schedule for adults over the age of 18 is available at least 3 weeks before travel. The full course is 3 doses.
There is no risk of Malaria in Jakarta and a low risk in Sumantra, Java, Lombok and Bali. The only high-risk region is Papua. In low-risk areas antimalarials may be considered for long-term travellers or the elderly.
If you want to know more about how to protect your health while you are in Indonesia you can check out the Travel Health Pro website, You can also get travel advice on Indonesia from the Gov.UK website.
You can book an appointment at the pharmacy online. We’ll then assess your travel options and your suitability for each vaccine. After that, we’ll arrange your schedule. If you’re not able to book online, give us a call on 01276 21002 or pop into the pharmacy and speak to a member of staff.
Now VSM Pharmacy has a travel clinic that offers help, advice and of course travel vaccinations Our latest article gives you all the information you need to get your vaccinations organised before your trip.
If you need a Hepatitis A vaccination, the Travel Clinic at VSM Pharmacy can help you . The cost of the vaccination is £49.99 for two doses.
