Vaccinations for Malaysia and Indonesia: Traveler’s Guide

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vaccination requirements for Malaysia and Indonesia can vary based on your destination, health status, length of stay, and other factors. Always consult your doctor for personalised travel health advice before your trip.

Importance of Vaccinations for Travelers

As a traveler, exploring new destinations can be an exciting adventure –  but also a risk of exposure to unwanted infections. To stay safe and healthy while travelling, it is essential to research potential risks and take necessary health precautions in advance.

Vaccinations are a crucial aspect of travel health. They protect you from contracting serious diseases that may not be common in your home country. Malaysia and Indonesia are both countries that require careful preparation, and it is essential to plan your vaccinations well ahead of time. Some vaccinations are required for entry into certain countries, while others are strongly recommended. 

However, determining which vaccinations you might need before travelling can be overwhelming. This guide provides an overview of common recommendations for Malaysia and Indonesia, helping you make informed decisions for your trip.

Recommended vaccinations for Malaysia and Indonesia

Both Malaysia and Indonesia maintain strict vaccination and health requirements for international travellers that you should be aware of before entering the country.  

Recommended vaccines by health authorities

Health authorities recommend several key vaccines for travel to these countries. Some vaccines require booster shots if your last dose was administered too long ago, so make sure to check your records in advance. 

The primary recommended vaccines include: 

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria
• MMR vaccination (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

If you are pregnant, have underlying medical conditions, or fall into a high-risk group, consider these factors and consult a healthcare professional before travelling. 

Risk-based vaccine recommendations

When traveling in Malaysia or Indonesia, some additional vaccines may be advisable. It depends on your travel plans, the areas you visit, and your activities. For instance, if you are planning on staying in urban areas, the risk for certain diseases is lower – except food- and waterborne illnesses can still remain a concern you should take into consideration. 

On the other hand, if your travel plans will take you into rural areas or rainforests, you may need to consider some extra vaccinations. In these areas, you might be exposed to mosquitos, wildlife, or contaminated water. 

Some of the optional vaccines include:

• Japanese Encephalitis
• Rabies 
• Hepatitis B 
• Cholera
• COVID-19

Health requirements for entry 

A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged one year or older arriving from risk areas. Malaysia also applies this rule to those transiting for over 12 hours, with possible quarantine for non-compliance. Indonesia requires the certificate for travelers aged nine months or older from risk areas. While Yellow Fever is not a risk in either country, these measures help prevent the introduction of the virus. 

Before heading to Indonesia, don’t forget to fill out the SATUSEHAT Health Pass  —a required self-declaration form for all international travelers. It’s a quick online process, and once completed, you’ll receive a QR code that officials will check when you arrive. By completing this form in advance, you contribute to safer travel and help prevent the spread of diseases within Indonesia. Failure to complete may result in delays or denial of entry into Indonesia, as this is a mandatory health measure.

In Malaysia, travelers should be aware that they may need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card before entering the country. This online form should be submitted in advance to avoid any potential delays at immigration. You can find more entry requirements here.

It is important to note that health and entry requirements can change, so please always check the latest guidelines from official government sources. 

Other health precautions

Both countries have varying levels of malaria risk. While no vaccine exists, antimalarial medication may be recommended for certain regions. Dengue fever, also spread by mosquitoes, is another concern. To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, take precautions such as:

• Wearing long sleeves and trousers
• Using insect repellent
• Sleeping under a mosquito net if necessary

Additionally, drinking bottled water and practicing good hygiene will help keep you healthy during your trips.  

Protecting animal volunteers against rabies and tuberculosis

Some rescue centers require additional vaccination for volunteers and interns. One of these is rabies which is a viral disease of mammals, usually transmitted through animal bites. Therefore extra protection is necessary for volunteers and interns working with animals in the rescue centres. This is important not only for humans but also for animals, as especially apes and other primates can contract these diseases from humans. 

Tuberculosis is another concern, as it spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Volunteers need to provide proof of a negative tuberculosis test, often done by taking an X-ray test or a Mantoux test. Keep in mind that X-ray tests in Asia are quite common and some of our volunteers and interns choose to do the test there just before travelling to the wildlife centre. 

Conclusion

Proper vaccination preparation for Malaysia and Indonesia is essential for safe travel. Though the process might seem complex, understanding your specific needs based on destination, duration, and health status makes planning easier. Start your preparation early, ideally at least 8 weeks before departure, to allow enough time for multiple-dose vaccines and immunity development.

Before traveling, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including potential hospitalization, evacuation, and any treatments related to infectious diseases or accidents. Medical facilities can vary significantly between urban and rural areas.

With the right preparations, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free journey. While health precautions are important, there’s no need to worry—millions of travelers visit these destinations safely every year. By staying informed, planning ahead, and taking simple precautions, you can focus on experiencing the incredible landscapes, culture, and wildlife with peace of mind.

For more foreign travel advice, visit your own government’s official website, or check NHS Travel Vaccinations for updates.