Get your shots before travel to China

If you’re planning to be one of the expected 150 million tourists to China this year, you need to get your immunisations up to date, according to a report released yesterday by MEDEX Global Group.

If you need emergency medical attention, choose private transportation as the ambulance service is unreliable. Health services in China are overstretched, and private clinics are recommended over public facilities, unless you are happy waiting several hours for attention. Unfortunately, non-Chinese insurance will not be accepted for medical fees, so you will need to get receipts in order to make a claim when you return home.

It’s best to avoid all blood products in China, as “there is a risk of exposure to unsafe blood and blood products,” due to AIDS and other problems.

The advice given is to get shots 6-8 weeks before you travel, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies and the flu vaccine.