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Japanese Encephalitis | Tagged Posts
2015
1
December
Are Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies shots necessary for hiking and camping in Indonesia?
1
December
Question:
Humans say...
Chai
following...
Nicole
I've been to Indo and didn't get the shots. I had a few of the other ones updated since it had been a decade since my high school twinrix (sp?) shots. We went off the beaten path somewhat too. Definitely a personal gamble I'd say.
Tanya
I've spent lots of time in Indonesia and didn't get either. Just don't pet the strays and, if you do get bit by something, go to a hospital. And in Indonesia Japanese Encephalitis doesn't even make the top 20 list of things you should worry about... so just go, have fun, and eat the jackfruit curry! Bromo at sunrise is stunning.
Dana
We didn't get either and were fine. Stayed away from dogs and monkeys during the trip.
Rodney
I've been to Indonesia multiple times and never got either, the doctors I've talked too only reccomended them if you were going to be in rural areas for several months or more. I agree with Tanya, just go and have fun, Indonesia is a great place to backpack
Melissa
I didn't get either of them both times I went to Indo. I've never been sick in Indonesia at all. I spent time in Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra.
David
Tanya P - have you found a place to eat jackfruit curry here? I've not heard of it and it sounds like fun!
Estrella
Ahh!! Thank you all so so much!! I appreciate the help!!
Tanya
David S - It's called "gudeg" and a specialty of the Yogyakarta area. I've never tried to look for it in Vancouver, but a quick googling turned up this - http://www.goodlegit.com/... which looks pretty good!
GOODLEGIT.COM
NASI GUDEG (Cooked Unripe Jackfruit with Rice) | Authentic Indonesian Food in Vancouver, Canada
David
Thanks for your trouble, Tanya. Time for a trip to the 1100 block Kingsway to a Vietnamese grocer to load up. For those interested, you can get Thai basil there very cheap...$1 for a large baggie full. I like the one that has a parking lot beside it.
Tanya
Ooh, that is a good deal - I'll have to check it out. Any chance you know where I could buy holy basil ("kra pow" in Thai)?
Jen
@Tanya Best place for Asian fresh herb is from this Vietnam market near Nanaimo and Hastings across the street from Red Wagon
David
I think that is what they have. Grown in either Hawaii or California. Oh, price may be slightly up a few cents due to our diving C$. I've not found a pure Thai grocery, but this place has it all. My best find was frozen grated lemon grass - LARGE package for under $2. I wondered how the restaurants could make the dishes with these ingredients when sticks of lemon grass and basil are so expensive compared to the cost of the dishes - the answer lay through those doors. The same goes for kaffir lime leaves. And next door, at 1196 Kingsway is a Vietnamese bakery with the 'best' subs in the city. A crew from The National was in there one day and put them on the news.
Maricor
Just make sure U drink bottled water all the time! Even to brush ur teeth!!
Ranj
Never got the shots despite multiple trips to Indo and Borneo. Just remember, your head lamp will attract bugs and that will attract bats. It is always better to carry your headlamp at your waist level. I work in the ER, and have given the vaccine prophylactically twice because a bat flew into the persons head!
Tami
Can you get the shots there? in Yogya or Jakarta perhaps? We got our JE shot in Bangkok and it cost us CAD$20 each. We passed on the Rabies shot.
Jo-anne
My son and his gf just got back from a month of diving in Indonesia....neither one of them got them...but our up to date on twinrix etc.
Estrella
Tami! That's actually a great idea!! Thanks for the tip! And yes, I'm going to get my routine vaccines plus Hep A and B and Typhoid.
Estrella
That's totally your prerogative!! ?
Tami
It was actually really useful to talk to a doctor who was very familiar with region. She had detailed knowledge of specific risk areas in SEA etc.
Estrella
A doctor here? I'll look into that! Thanks!
Tami
No, the Travel Clinic doctor in Bangkok.
Estrella
That makes more sense. Lol! Thanks for the tip!!
Jennifer
I didn't get either... The JE shot has a lot of negative side effects and I was advised against it by a doctor I know and trust. I also didn't get rabies but made sure I knew where the proper rabies treatments centre was.
Estrella
Good to know!! Thank you Jennifer! And everyone!! You're all so helpful!
Jennifer
I should note, I'm not anti vaccine and neither is the doctor I trusted for info about JE... But I was still wary of the side effects
Aina
You can even go to a local travel clinic to get statistical information from a doctor on risk by region or area of indonesia, then make an informed decision for yourself. There is a consultation fee to see a travel clinic doctor though
A.I. says...
Travel Vaccinations for Indonesia Trip
Planning a trip to a new destination can be exciting, but it's also essential to consider your health and safety. When it comes to traveling to Indonesia, the question of whether to get the Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies shots is a common one, especially for those planning to spend time hiking and camping.
The Case for Getting the Vaccinations
Japanese Encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites, and it can be potentially life-threatening. While the risk is generally low for most travelers, it increases if you plan to spend a lot of time in rural areas or participate in outdoor activities that expose you to mosquitoes. Similarly, Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as dogs, bats, or monkeys, and it is almost always fatal if left untreated.
Many travelers opt to get these vaccinations as a precautionary measure, especially if they plan to engage in activities that increase their risk of exposure. The peace of mind and protection offered by these vaccinations can be invaluable, especially when traveling to remote areas where access to medical care may be limited.
The Case Against Getting the Vaccinations
On the other hand, the high cost of these vaccinations can be a significant deterrent for some travelers. The Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies shots can be quite expensive, and the financial burden may outweigh the perceived risk for some individuals, especially if they plan to stay in more urban areas or limit their outdoor activities.
It's also important to note that the risk of contracting these diseases varies depending on the specific regions you plan to visit, the time of year, and your planned activities. Some travelers choose to skip the vaccinations after carefully evaluating their itinerary and taking appropriate precautions, such as using insect repellent and avoiding contact with stray animals.
Weighing the Options
Ultimately, the decision to get the Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies shots for your Indonesia trip should be based on your specific travel plans, risk tolerance, and financial situation. It's recommended to consult with a travel health professional or your doctor to assess your individual risk factors and make an informed decision.
If you decide not to get the vaccinations, it's crucial to take extra precautions during your trip, such as avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, and avoiding contact with stray animals or wildlife.
Remember, your health and safety should be the top priority when traveling, and it's essential to weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a decision.
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Estrella
This isn't flight related but I was hoping to get some opinions from other travellers.
I'm planning a 3 week trip to Indonesia in August and I'm having trouble deciding whether I should get the Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies shots (they are so expensive and I might cancel my trip if they are needed since I can't afford it). They are recommended depending on length of trip and if I plan to spend a lot of time hiking and camping. Who got them and who didn't? If not, why did… See more