When I read that Tetanus had killed at least 18 earthquake survivors in Yogyakarta according to WHO and that more than 50 known cases of the infection spread through bacteria, I thought I had better get out my yellow book and check when I was last vaccinated.
When I looked at the yellow book I noticed I was up for more vaccinations including Cholera and Typhoid as well as Meningitis, I could feel my arms and my bum aching. Yes, I am a bit of a health freak as far as things like this are concerned having suffered a dose of Malaria back in 1994 in the jungles in the north of Java. Considering that I will be returning home to Yogyakarta soon and intend imbibing in a lot of photography around the mountain villages where the recent disaster occurred, it only makes common sense that I cover myself vaccine wise.
I have talked to a lot of travellers over the years and a majority of those who visited Bali were quite open in saying it will never happen to them - this is Bali - its safe here. I always consider it better to be covered rather than spend the rest of your holiday in a hospital or even worse in a morgue!. It makes common sense just like taking out insurance when you travel. If you don't, then something is sure to happen. Murphy's Law. And yes, I am speaking from the voice of experience on that one!.
When travelling anywhere in the tropics - whether it be only Bali or the other islands in the archipelago of Indonesia - be securely vaccinated.
My list is simple - Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Cholera and Typhoid. If you are worried about Japanese Encephalitis and Meningitis then by all means be covered but the former in reality is not needed for Bali and is a very painful vaccine procedure.
However, if you are heading over to Bali then I strongly urge you to at least have the Hepatitis A and B vaccinations. You do not want to end up with a bad case of the dreaded Bali Belly!.
But most important of all, when travelling anywhere in the world is a good and well stocked first aid kit. Never leave home without one!.
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“It makes common sense just like taking out insurance when you travel.” Yeah, that is exactly what I tried to do before my last trip to Bali and Java. Then my health insurance, claims the Hep and Typhoid and cholera vacines are for travel and not covered. I tried to explain that my plane ticket is for travel, the vacines are for my health. This is an HMO which mean health maintenace Organization. Don’t they want to maintain my health? I went checking for the prices for the shots and was staggered. The Hep was about $185 per shot and I needed three. Even the county health group wanted 120 per shot. I found a new clinic that gave them for $76. I got that and then the next ones in Ubud for only about $20. I also just gave up on some.
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