Travel vaccinations for Borneo
Vaccinations for Borneo will protect you from some of the infectious diseases that are present on the island, such as measles, typhoid and hepatitis A. We recommend that anyone travelling to Borneo and other neighbouring areas, visit a travel health clinic to ensure that you’re up to date with all of the recommended vaccinations.
Your travel health specialist will take into account the type of trip you have planned. You may not need quite as many injections for Borneo if you are spending the whole time on a 5-star tour, for instance.
Nevertheless, it’s advisable to stay as protected as possible. Borneo is a place that is meant to be enjoyed and explored. From its coral reefs, to jungle walkways, delicious cuisine and fascinating culture – there is a lot crammed into one island – including three countries! Be sure to be checked out for your Borneo vaccinations 4- 8 weeks before you travel, so that you can relax and totally immerse yourself.
What injections do I need for Borneo?
MMR (Measles, mumps & rubella) & DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus & polio)
MMR and DTaP are routine vaccinations that all travellers should have when heading to Borneo. Regardless of whether you believe that you’re up to date with vaccinations under the UK’s National Program, it’s not worth the risk of with the global outbreak of measles and a high risk of tetanus.
Typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera
It is recommended that travellers protect themselves against typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera with these injections for Borneo, even if you are only there for a short time. Contaminated food and water are the culprits here and all it takes is one infected ice cube to send you straight to the hospital.
Hepatitis B and cholera
Hepatitis B and cholera may be appropriate vaccinations for some travellers to Borneo. Bodily fluids, particularly sexual fluids, and needles are responsible for transferring hepatitis B to humans, while cholera is passed through contaminated food and water. You should take precautions such as only drinking bottled water and watching where you eat while you are there.
Rabies
Rabies is a risk in some areas of Borneo so it is advisable to see a travel health professional about whether this is a vaccination you should have for your trip. Our travel health specialists base this off the most up-to-date information from the British government’s official foreign travel advice.
A travel health specialist will need to know details about your trip, including where you might travel to, and for how long. If you’re unsure, it may be best to get a rabies vaccination. Once you’re bitten, you will require immediate medical attention, which isn’t always easy to come by, depending on where you are.
Japanese Encephalitis
Mosquitoes carrying Japanese encephalitis are prevalent in Borneo. You should speak to a travel health specialist about your trip to see if this should be one of your Borneo vaccinations.
Mosquitoes also have the potential to carry malaria and dengue fever, so it is essential that you protect yourself with an insect repellent, such as DEET 50%.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection have a good guide to help you keep yourself protected, complete with information on different types of repellent and application timings to ensure best coverage.
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Borneo.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | Measles, mumps, rubella, Course of Two | £56 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Tetanus, Diptheria, polio, Single Dose | £41 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhoid, single dose | £51 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Hepatitis A, Single Dose | £86 | ||
| Cholera | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Cholera, for course of 2 | £37.50 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | Hepatitis B, Course of Three | £61 | ||
| Japanese Encephalitis | Yes | Mosquitoes | Japanese encephalitis, Course of Two | £96 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabies, Course of Three | £66 |
Advice for travellers to all destinations
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
All travellers
All Travellers should ensure that they are are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some travellers
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
Risk of malaria in Borneo
In addition to your vaccinations for Borneo, malaria is a viral illness that you should consider protecting yourself against through medication. Malaria is spread by mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal.
Does Borneo have malaria?
There is a low risk of malaria in all areas of Borneo. Travellers to areas where there is a risk of malaria should get advice regarding malaria medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk by practicing mosquito bite avoidance, using insect repellent such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
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Risk of yellow fever in Borneo
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter Borneo.
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Additional travel risks for Borneo
Borneo is often referred to as the world’s largest natural playground, and what with jungles to explore, coral reefs with untold species of fish, more than 1000 species of orchids, the world’s oldest rainforest, and the spectacular tree top walkway in Gunung Mulu National Park, it’s easy to see why adventurers from the world over put Borneo at the top of their wish list. Visit the Niah caves in Sarawak, and take get close up with the jungle by taking a longboat cruise.
If you’re looking for a taste of something more modern, visit stylish Kuching, and learn more about Borneo’s kaleidoscope of cultures, colonial relics, and cuisines. Your first stop on your way to Bali should be a visit to our Travel Health Clinic, four to eight weeks before departure, so that you will be completely safe and up-to-date with the Vaccinations you need for Borneo.
Heat and humidity
Borneo has a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity and temperatures on the coast as high as 30, and almost daily sunshine. Wear clothing to protect exposed skin while trekking through the jungle, and when engaging in water sports or lounging at the beach, take care to use a good sun block lotion with SPF 20 or higher. Apply liberally and often. When on tour, remember to wear light clothing and bring lots of water with you.
Drinking water
It is best to ensure that your holiday in beautiful Borneo is not ruined by tummy upset, or worse. Stay healthy and drink bottled mineral water, or water which has been purified by boiling.These can be found anywhere you go. Remember to drink often and whether it be water or fruit juices, replenish fluids throughout the day. Avoid ice cubes, salads and uncooked vegetables. Eat only fruit that can be peeled.
Food and drink
The cuisine in Borneo reflects influences of its indigenous people, its rich abundance of natural produce and the bounty from the sea. Mainly, the food combines flavours and colours of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cooking, and you will encounter traditional favourites such as Tandoori with Naan bread, and Chinese standards, featuring seafood, or chicken with rice and noodles, plus some very good dim sum or the occasional Hainan specialty. Malay dishes tend to be more rich and creamy, due to the use of coconut milk, and indulge in a spicy Malay curry, spiced with a myriad of flavours, such as chilli, ginger, tumeric, lemongrass, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon. Soft drinks and juices are widely available, and there are Malay brewed name brand beers such as Guinness and Tiger beer.
Seeking treatment abroad
Should you require health care in Borneo, you will find that the standards in clinics and hospitals are quite high. There is an excellent general hospital in Sarawak, with advanced facilities and procedures, and it is interesting to note that most Doctors practicing in Borneo are U.K. trained and speak perfect English. However, in the case of most private facilities, it will be necessary to arrange in advance to have enough money with you to pay for any health care you might need, since cash payment is often required. Some of these facilities honour foreign travel insurance policies, so do check with the clinic beforehand.
Travel and health insurance
Protect yourself, and your family, with comprehensive travel health insurance which will cover your intended itinerary and any potentially risky activities, such as hiking along the treetop walkway or scuba diving.
Personal safety
Aside from observing the normal precautions, visitors are very safe in Borneo. When on tour, and especially in urban areas, protect yourself against insect bites by using insecticide and wearing long sleeves and long trousers to cover exposed skin, since Malaria is a concern in Borneo.
Is Borneo safe?
Aside from observing the normal precautions, visitors are very safe in Borneo. When on tour, and especially in urban areas, protect yourself against insect bites by using insecticide and wearing long sleeves and long trousers to cover exposed skin, since malaria is a concern in Borneo.
