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Vaccinations for China

Vaccinations for China

For the standard tourist the recommended vaccinations for China include vaccines against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Those planning to spend a longer time in China or travelling to rural areas should consider additional vaccinations against conditions like Rabies, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Meningococcal Meningitis.

Vaccinations for China

11:13 Tue 19th Mar, 2024

Malaria Small risk on lower provinces of the country

All Travellers

Tetanus

Tetanus is contracted through contaminated cuts, bites and breaks in the skin. The vaccination provides cover for approximately 10 years in the majority of patients. It is frequently combined with cover against other diseases such as Poliomyelitis, Diphtheria and/or Pertussis.

Find out more about Tetanus

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a common disease in many of the hotter regions of the world and usually contracted through contaminated food and water. Cover against Hepatitis A can be given alone or combined with protection against Hepatitis B. Once completed, the Hepatitis A vaccination (given on two occasions 6 to 12 months apart) provides cover for approximately 25 years in the majority of patients.

Find out more about Hepatitis A

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial disease contracted through contaminated food and water. Once completed, the Typhoid vaccination given on one occasion provides cover for between 2 to 3 years in the majority of patients

Find out more about Typhoid

Optional

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral disease which is usually transmitted in a very similar fashion to HIV/AIDS through contact with infected body fluids (eg blood exposure and sexually). This vaccine can be combined with cover against Hepatitis A. The standard schedule for Hepatitis B is to administer the vaccine on days 0, 28 and 180. A more rapid schedule can be used in cases where cover is needed more urgently and this is administered on days 0, 7, 21 to 28 and also 365. Following either course (and not before completion) a blood test can be taken to confirm sufficient antibody protection. Where the correct level of antibodies are showing (>10iu) the vaccination is recognised to provide cover for life.

Find out more about Hepatitis B

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease which is usually transmitted through the bite, the lick or the scratch of any infected warm blooded animal. As per the current WHO guidance, the vaccine is usually administered on days 0 and between 7 and 28. Once a course is completed, the vaccination provides life long ‘immune memory’ in the majority of patients BUT after any possible exposure the individual always needs further vaccination to boost antibody production

Find out more about Rabies

Meningococcal Meningitis

Meningococcal Meningitis is a bacterial disease which is usually transmitted through the respiratory route. The vaccine is given on one occasion and provides cover against four of the main forms of this disease. Once a course is completed the vaccination provides for over 10 years in the majority of patients.

Find out more about Meningococcal Meningitis

Cholera

Cholera / E coli are both food / water borne diseases. This oral vaccine is given on two occasions between 1 to 6 weeks apart before travel. The second dose (frequently given one week after the initial one) should be administered 7 days before potential exposure. Once completed the cover against Cholera is expected to be for about 2 years. The cover against E coli is shorter and thought to be effective for between 3 to 4 months. In travellers who have completed an initial primary course within the past 2 years a single further dose is sufficient to maintain this cover.

Find out more about Cholera

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The Ixiaro vaccine is given on two occasions one month apart with a third dose at 12 months. Once completed the vaccine is thought to provide cover for between 2 to 3 years but possibly longer.

Find out more about Japanese Encephalitis

Travel Vaccines for China

Most regular tourists should start their travel vaccines for China about 4 to 6 weeks before they leave Ireland. However, those undertaking a more extensive trip should consider attending a Topical Medical Bureau clinic earlier.

There are no compulsory requirements for vaccinations for China for entry / exit purposes for travellers entering from Western Europe (including Ireland) but some are recommended for the traveller’s personal protection against some of the food and water diseases.

During the summer months, carry a supply of insect repellent (at least 30% DEET) ointments for your trip and use sensible, light coloured clothing to protect yourself against the mosquitoes and sandflys. The risk of malaria in most of China is very limited (usually southern border regions of the country) but Malaria Prophylactic tablets may be prescribed depending on your actual itinerary. Other serious mosquito borne diseases do occur so these will need to be considered.

The sunlight during the summer months and in Tibet at high elevations can be intense so travellers should bring sun screen and sun-glasses and a sensible wide-brimmed hat.

China is teeming with people and a culture very different to that found in Western Europe. It is a land of many contrasts but travellers generally stay healthy and well if they follow standard common-sense healthcare advice.

Each traveller will require a consultation with regard to their specific trip itinerary and please bare in mind that this information only contains guidelines.

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