Before traveling to China, it’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines and consider additional ones based on your itinerary, activities, and health condition. Here are the key vaccines to consider:
Required Vaccines Before Visitng China
COVID-19: While not always mandatory, some travel restrictions may still apply.
Recommended Vaccines Before Visiting China
- Hepatitis A – Transmitted through contaminated food or water
- Hepatitis B – Recommended if you might have medical procedures or close contact with locals.
- Typhoid – Important for travelers visiting rural areas or eating street food.
- Rabies – Recommended for those visiting rural areas or interacting with animals.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Advised if traveling to rural or agricultural areas, especially in summer.
- Influenza – If traveling during flu season.
- Malaria Prevention – Not needed for most areas, but necessary for certain southern regions.
- Polio – Generally considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
- Tickborne Encephalitis – Vast majority of cases occur in northeast China. A limited number of cases occur in western China.
Routine Vaccines before visiting China
- Pneumonia – Airborne
- Meningitis – transmitted through direct contact and airborne
- Shingles – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
- Chickenpox – transmitted to those unvaccinated
- TDAP – Transmitted through wounds and airborne
- Measles Mumps Rubella – Only contracted by people unvaccinated after 1957.
Consult your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before travel to ensure you receive the necessary vaccines.
