Bali: Recommended vaccinations by the The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccinations for travellers to Southeast Asia:
Adult diphtheria and tetanus - Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10 years. Side effects include sore arm and fever.
Hepatitis A - Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year, a booster after 12 months provides at least another 20 years’ protection. Mild side effects such as headache and sore arm occur in 5% to 10% of people.
Hepatitis B - Now considered routine for most travellers. Given as three shots over six months. Lifetime protection occurs in 95% of people.
Measles, mumps and rubella - Two doses of MMR required unless you have had the diseases. Many young adults require a booster.
Polio - Only one booster required as an adult for lifetime protection. Inactivated polio vaccine is safe during pregnancy.
Typhoid - Recommended unless your trip is less than a week and only to developed cities. The vaccine offers around 70% protection, lasts for two to three years and comes as a single shot.
Varicella - If you haven’t had chickenpox, discuss this vaccination with your doctor. These immunisations are recommended for long-term travellers (more than one month) or those at special risk:
Japanese B Encephalitis - Three injections in all. Booster recommended after two years. Sore arm and headache are the most common side effects.
Meningitis - Single injection. Recommended for long-term backpackers aged under 25.
Rabies - Three injections in all. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years’ protection. Side effects are rare – occasionally headache and sore arm.
Tuberculosis - Adult long-term travellers are usually recommended to have a TB skin test before and after travel, rather than vaccination. Only one vaccine given in a lifetime.