Recommended and Required Vaccinations
When you arrive in China, you are not required to show any evidence of vaccinations, unless your last place of embarkation is a yellow fever infected area. However, taking vaccinations on your own accord is necessary to prevent the contraction of major diseases found in China. The presence of particular kinds of diseases is very area-specific, and depending on your itinerary, you are advised to take certain vaccinations to eliminate any chance of infection.
Basically, there are three categories of vaccinations, and they are routine, recommended and required vaccinations. Before your trip to China, you have to make sure that your routine vaccinations are taken within the schedule arranged by your local doctor. If the trip coincides with the vaccination date or you have failed to adhere to the schedule prior to this, you should make an appointment to have the shots taken. For full and punctual effect, they should be scheduled at least 4-6 weeks before travel. The forms of vaccinations included in your schedule should be sufficient to prevent the more contagious major diseases.
Vaccinations are available upon recommendation by health-care advisers according to your places of travel. Most foreigners visiting China are advised to take Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and tetanus vaccinations. Some of these are included in your routine vaccinations, and if you are not sure whether you have been immunized for them, you should check with your doctors. Even if you have been vaccinated for these diseases, it is advisable to take booster shots before your travel.
Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease which can be communicable through food and water. Any exposure to food or contaminated water bearing the hepatitis A virus can result in infection. Usually the virus can be found in uncooked food such as shellfish, vegetables and fruits. It can also be passed through contact with other human beings. Vaccination for hepatitis A is usually given through two separate injections whereby the first provides prevention for up to a year before the second shot is taken. At the end of the course, the vaccinated individual has immunity against the disease for the next twenty years.
Hepatitis B does not transmit as readily as hepatitis A. Common mediums of infection include blood or body fluids and sexual relations with infected individuals. It is known that infants or children can acquire the disease through the passing of saliva. For immunization of hepatitis B, you have to take three shots altogether, the first two are four weeks apart and the last one about six months after. Vaccination for hepatitis B can give you protection for at least ten years.
Japanese encephalitis usually occurs in the rural areas. You are not required to be vaccinated for it if your trip is confined to the urban areas. This disease is transmitted by mosquito bites and it only occurs in certain places of China. It is important to find out if your travel plans bring you to an area with a history of Japanese encephalitis outbreak. Complete vaccination for this disease consists of three injections which are spaced two weeks apart from one another. Protection can last up to two years.
Typhoid is usually found in developing countries. It is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water and food, especially those that have been handled by infected individuals. The occurrence of this disease can be particularly traced to street vendors whose minimal concern for hygiene provides an ideal breeding ground for the typhoid virus. Since it is quite common for foreigners to patronize the street vendors in China, immunization for typhoid is very necessary. To be vaccinated, you are only required to take one injection, which will prevent infection for up to three years.
Tetanus is caused by a neurotoxin developed from a contaminated wound. Due to the varied activities that a traveler has to undertake, the risk of getting infected is higher. This disease can be transmitted through perspiration or physical contact. If you had taken vaccination for tetanus within the last ten years, you should only take a booster shot if you have recent wounds prior to your trip to China. Only one injection is required for immunization.
At present, no vaccination is required for entry into China. However, for travelers arriving from an area infected by yellow fever, a certificate of immunization has to be presented. Regions that are infected by this disease are South America and sub-Saharan Africa. If you are not coming from these places, you need no vaccination for it.
Traveling to developing countries can be quite risky because the standard of hygiene is generally very low. There are many deadly and complicated diseases in China, but with the appropriate vaccinations, you will not run the risk of contracting any of them. You can seek advice from your local doctor for a list of vaccinations recommended for travelers and make sure you have your shots taken the right time before your departure.