Risk / Health Info for China

What vaccines do you need for China?

Our advisors can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs, whether it’s shots for business travel or inoculations for an adventure holiday. Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended if you are going to China and vaccination against typhoid. Both are associated with unsafe water supplies. Additionally, you should stick to bottled water as the tap water in China is not suitable for drinking. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended, too, particularly if you are at risk of contact with blood or body fluids. Hep B is also sexually transmitted and can be contracted through intravenous drug use.

You should also get inoculation against Japanese encephalitis, which is spread by infected mosquitoes. Consider vaccination against rabies, particularly if you are travelling to remote areas or plan to spend time with animals.

Air pollution in China

Air pollution in industrial areas and in large cities may aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma. Medical care is of a good standard in cities but can be patchy in rural areas. There is no free healthcare, so bills may be high. You may not be able to find your medications in all parts of China so if you rely on prescription meds, bring a supply for your entire trip.

Will I catch bird flu in China?

In recent years there have been numerous reports of people catching bird flu, also known as avian influenza. Most patients become seriously ill with avian flu, often with pneumonia; and it can be fatal. Bird flu infections are associated with exposure to live poultry. Person-to-person infections are rare, and China has strong avian influenza surveillance systems in place and places people showing symptoms in quarantine. Outbreaks of bird flu occur mainly in rural areas. The World Health Organisation recommends that travellers avoid visiting poultry markets and farms if possible. Following good hand hygiene practices can also help prevent transmission of bird flu. Discover more about disease outbreaks in China from the World Health Organisation.

Altitude in China

Parts of China are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in China

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in China. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in China

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of China at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in China

MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection with a high mortality rate. It is caused by the coronavirus and is thought to be contracted from infected camels. You should take diligent hygiene measures such as thorough handwashing if you visit a farm, barn or market or touch a camel. Avoid contact with sick animals. Do not drink raw camel milk or urine; and do not eat camel meat that has not been properly cooked. The Government of Canada has issued a travel health advisory about Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in China.

polio in China