What vaccinations or health prep do I need?

Routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A) are recommended everywhere. Yellow fever for some destinations. Malaria prophylaxis for parts of Indonesia, PNG and Africa.

Vaccination requirements vary by destination but the universal recommendations are: tetanus (boost every 10 years), Hepatitis A and B (essential for travel to developing countries), typhoid (for Indonesia, Philippines, parts of Africa), and your COVID-19 vaccinations up to date.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry to some countries if you're arriving from a yellow-fever zone (much of South America, sub-Saharan Africa). Check the WHO list before you travel. Notably: Galápagos and Cocos require yellow fever proof if you've recently visited the Amazon basin, but not from direct international flights.

Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for: parts of Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Halmahera), Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Madagascar, and parts of coastal Africa. Most liveaboard regions in these countries are low-risk because mosquitoes are rare offshore, but the transit time on land matters. Talk to a travel medicine clinic 8 weeks before you travel.

Dive medical: a self-declaration form (PADI/RSTC medical statement) is required by every operator. If you answer 'yes' to any condition (asthma, heart issues, recent surgery, pregnancy, certain medications), you'll need a doctor's clearance signed within 12 months. Some destinations (Egypt, Galápagos for older divers) require a full dive medical regardless.

Bring: prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note, a basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antihistamines, painkillers, anti-diarrheal, motion sickness pills), reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun lotion and a tube of decongestant for sinus issues. The boat carries emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit but not personal medications.