Health Risks Disclaimer
The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
We, at Sonic HealthPlus, trading as Travelvax and our related companies, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate or error free. You therefore view the following information at your own risk.
You should obtain specific travel health advice in relation to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition and your intended itinerary.
Our staff at travelvax.com.au are trained in the medical travel health area and are able to advise you on your specific individual needs. Please feel free to contact us on 1300 360 164 for assistance.
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About China Vaccinations
Most of China is mountainous or semi-desert, with only the southern most regions in the monsoon-dominated tropics. During summer, moist ocean air brings heavy rains to eastern China, although hot, humid, summer weather is more typical. In contrast, Siberian air masses dominate in winter and may even penetrate to the southern regions. Winters feature dry, clear days with low humidity and lower temperatures. During late winter and spring, strong north winds sweep across north China, and hazy days caused by dust storms are common. Beijing's spring is mostly dry, with frequent strong winds that stir up heavy dust storms. The weather turns hot and humid in July and August. Autumn is popular time with travellers, with many warm and pleasant clear days and little wind. Winter (Dec-Mar), is cold, dry, and windy, with only occasional light snow. China is still the world’s most populous nation and encompasses vast landscapes and millennia of history to provide an entertaining holiday for even the most avid of travellers. The varied districts also offer a number of business opportunities. The information below is intended to make sure you get the correct injections, vaccinations and advice for China.
Travel Health Alerts
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Yellow Fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This requirement does not apply to travellers whose itineraries are limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR.
No certificate required for direct travel from Australia or New Zealand.
Travelvax has doctors who are yellow fever vaccination-accredited. Click here to learn more about Yellow Fever.
COVID-19
For the most up to date requirements for entry into Australia, go to Smartraveller.
Please click this COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map (IATA) to view the latest China COVID travel requirements.
Hepatitis A
Moderate risk to travellers, vaccination recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis A vaccination.
Hepatitis B
Moderate presence of Hepatitis B in local population. Vaccination would be recommended. Click here to learn more about the Hepatitis B vaccination.
Typhoid
Moderate risk for most travellers. Vaccination recommended for travel to smaller cities, villages and rural areas outside usual tourist routes. Some medical conditions pre-dispose to infection; whether vaccinations would be recommended should be discussed with a medical practitioner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. To learn more about Typhoid and the available vaccinations, click here.
Influenza
Northern hemisphere winter risk (November to April). Most common vaccine preventable illness in travellers. Vaccine recommended, effective for 1 year. To learn more about the Influenza virus, click here.
Rabies
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. Generally rabies vaccination is advised for high risk individuals such as veterinarians or animal handlers, cavers. Additionally for higher risk travellers who plan: extended periods outdoors, rural travel, adventurous activities including bicycling; also expats or long-term travellers to endemic regions and children (risk of more severe or risk-prone bites and may not report contact at all). Click here to learn more about rabies.
Japanese Encephalitis
Disease present. Seasonal risk will vary by country. Whether vaccinations will be recommended will depend on itinerary, length of stay, type of travel etc and needs to be discussed with a medical practitioner. Risk is highest around pig farms and in agricultural areas. Mosquito avoidance measures are highly recommended all year round. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk, particularly if travelling during the wet season. Click here to learn more about Japanese Encephalitis.
Polio
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. The risk to travellers is generally low, however vaccination is recommended for travel to affected regions and is a requirement for travel to/from some countries. If at risk, adults should have a booster to the childhood series. Click here to learn more about Polio.
Disease present. Recommendation for vaccination will depend on specific itinerary and activities planned. The risk to travellers is generally low, however vaccination is recommended for travel to affected regions and is a requirement for travel to/from some countries. If at risk, adults should have a booster to the childhood series. Click here to learn more about Polio.
Additional information:
Following the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus, it is recommended to ensure polio vaccinations are up to date - see below.
Temporary recommendations regarding polio vaccination, which are updated regularly by the WHO, advise that affected states:
- ‘Ensure that all residents and long-term visitors (i.e. > four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
- Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within four weeks), who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers.
- Ensure that such travelers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
- Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travelers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (e.g. road, air, sea).’
Tickborne Encephalitis
Vaccine is available in Australia - medical practitioners must apply through the special access scheme of the TGA. Recommended for high risk travellers: long-term residents, stays in rural and forested areas, campers and hikers, consuming unpasteurised dairy products. The disease is most active from April through August. To learn more about Tickborne Encephalitis, click here.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Low risk to travellers.
Cholera
Disease is present, however the risk is low for the majority of travellers. Peace corp, volunteers, refugee workers etc need to consider vaccination. All travellers should take food and water precautions. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk. Learn more about Cholera and available vaccinations here.
Other Diseases
Travellers Diarrhoea
Moderate risk. Travellers' Diarrhoea affects 20-60% of overseas travellers, food and water precautions are essential. Self-treatment medications may be recommended. Click here to learn more about the common symptoms and ways to prevent getting Travellers' Diarrhoea.
Insect-borne Diseases
Diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika may be present. Seasonal risk will vary by country. Whether preventive measures will be recommended will depend on itinerary, length of stay, type of travel etc. and needs to be discussed with a medical practitioner. For those countries with disease present, risk is highest in urban and semi-urban areas, but may also occur in rural areas; insect avoidance measures are highly recommended all year round. Travelvax believes that the best defence is to understand their habits, dress properly and use an effective insect repellent in the correct manner. Consult a medical practitioner for your specific risk.
Schistosomiasis
Swimming or bathing in freshwater is the main cause of infection. Avoid freshwater contact if you are unsure of origin. Learn more about Schistosomiasis here.
Altitude
Altitude illness is a risk to travellers ascending higher than 2000 meters. Preventative medication is available. Consult a medical practitioner if ascending to 2000 metres or above. Click here to learn more about Altitude illness.
Additional Information
Personal Safety
In order to check before and during travel for any high-risk areas visit the Smartraveller website. Avoid unnecessary displays of wealth or valuables and minimise the amounts of cash carried. Keep secure records of passport/credit card/licence numbers. For more safety tips visit: www.smartraveller.gov.au.
Medical Care
Limited medical facilities available. Unless travelling with a well-equipped organisation, a high level of self-sufficiency in terms of first aid kits and sterile equipment is recommended. An evacuation contingency should be a part of your travel insurance. Check for any contacts supplied by your emergency assistance organisation (nominated by your travel insurer) or with IAMAT (International Association of Medical Assistance for Travellers).
First Aid Kits & Accessories
Carry a basic first aid kit, customised to your activities. For longer stays consider a needle and syringe pack and medication for travellers diarrhoea.
Call 1300 360 164 for the location of the clinic nearest to you.
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