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China’s Schedule of Immunization Shots The vaccination schedule is compulsory for Chinese citizens but optional for expats.
Compulsory Vaccinations Hepatitis B (HBV) China has 130 million people infected with hepatitis B (representing a third of the worldwide rate), among which 30 million are chronic carriers. Hepatitis B is a liver disease that exists in a mild, acute form lasting a few weeks and a serious lifelong condition. In China, the disease is most commonly transmitted through neonatal or early childhood infection. The disease can also be spread through exposure to body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. “It’s now a must for any pregnant woman who visits a Chinese hospital to be tested for the virus between 8-12 weeks,” says Dr. Wu. This regulation was introduced after an increase of HBV infections. If the mother is a carrier, both she and her unborn child are given hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) at 36 weeks of pregnancy. After birth, the child is also given an accelerated course of the HBV vaccine. The dosage of the vaccine depends on the weight the baby. Dr. Duan says, “If you’re planning on traveling in China, I would insist on getting vaccinated as the prevalence of the disease is higher in rural areas. The HBV vaccine is administered in three shots over the course of several months for both adults and children. Japanese Encephalitis (JE) JE, a mosquito-borne disease that causes inflammation of the brain covering, is endemic in China. There is no known cure for
the disease but its symptoms, which include disorientation, high fever, coma, and tremors can be treated. If left untreated, JE can result in physical and mental disabilities. The disease is more likely to be contracted in rural areas. Dr. Wu recommends that all those who will travel to the rural parts of China or countries such as India should get this vaccination. The shots are given to children when they are 8 months then boosters are administered when children are aged 1 and 2 years old. Vaccines for older people are given in two shots 28 days apart. Hepatitis A (HAV) Hepatitis A is transmitted when fecal matter enters the mouth, usually though food touched by unwashed hands. This disease is non-fatal but can lead to gradual liver failure. Symptoms such as fever and jaundice can last up to six months in some cases. Pregnant women are the most susceptible to this disease. Therefore, women who are expecting or planning to get pregnant while in Beijing are advised to get vaccinated. Dr. Wu says that HAV is not as routinely tested for as HNV but should not be ignored. “You can come into contact with infected surfaces at anytime, therefore it is better to get the vaccine for peace of mind,” she says. The HAV vaccine is a series of two shots spaced six to 18 months apart for children.
September 2015 beijingkids
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