Pack medications in their original, clearly labelled, containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications (using generic names) is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. If you have a heart condition, bring a copy of your ECG taken just prior to travelling.
If you take any regular medication bring double your needs in case of loss or theft. In China you can buy many medications over the counter without a doctor’s prescription, but it can be difficult to find some of the newer drugs, particularly the latest antidepressant drugs, blood pressure medications and contraceptive methods. In general it is not advised to buy medications locally without a doctor’s advice. Make sure you get your teeth checked before you travel, and if you wear glasses take a spare pair and your prescription.
Recommended vaccinations Specialised travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information; they stock all available vaccines and can give specific recommendations for you and your trip. The doctors will take into account factors such as past vaccination history, the length of your trip, activities you may be undertaking and underlying medical conditions, such as pregnancy.
Most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, so visit a doctor six to eight weeks before departure. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination (otherwise known as the yellow booklet), which will list all the vaccinations you’ve received.
The only vaccine required by international regulations is yellow fever. Proof of vaccination will only be required if you have visited a country in the yellow fever zone within the six days prior to entering China. If you are travelling to China directly from South America or Africa, check with a travel clinic as to whether you need yellow fever vaccination.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccinations for travellers to China:
Adult diphtheria and tetanus Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10 years. Side effects include sore arm and fever. A new ADT vaccine containing pertussis is also available and may be recommended by your doctor. Hepatitis A Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year; a booster after 12 months provides at least another 20 years protection. Mild side effects such as headache and sore arm occur in 5% to 10% of people. Hepatitis B Now considered routine for most travellers. Given as three shots over six months. A rapid schedule is also available, as is a combined vaccination with Hepatitis A. Side effects are mild and uncommon, usually headache and sore arm. In 95% of people lifetime protection results. Measles, mumps and rubella Two doses of MMR recommended unless you have had the diseases. Occasionally a rash and flu-like illness can develop a week after receiving the vaccine. Many adults under 40 require a booster. Typhoid Recommended unless your trip is less than a week. The vaccine offers around 70% protection, lasts for two to three years and comes as a single shot. Tablets are also available; however, the injection is usually recommended as it has fewer side effects. Sore arm and fever may occur. A vaccine combining Hepatitis A and typhoid in a single shot is now available. Varicella If you haven’t had chickenpox discuss this vaccination with your doctor.
The following immunisations are recommended for long-term travellers (more than one month) or those at special risk:
Influenza A single shot lasts one year and is recommended for those over 65 years of age or with underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. Japanese B encephalitis A series of three injections with a booster after two years. Recommended if spending more than one month in rural areas in the summer months, or more than 3 months in the country. Pneumonia A single injection with a booster after five years is recommended for all travellers over 65 years of age or with underlying medical conditions that compromise immunity such as heart or lung disease, cancer or HIV. Rabies Three injections in all. A booster after one year will then provide 10 years’ protection. Side effects are rare – occasionally headache and sore arm. Tuberculosis A complex issue. High-risk adult long-term travellers are usually recommended to have a TB skin test before and after travel, rather than vaccination. Only one vaccine is given in a lifetime. Children under five spending more than three months in China should be vaccinated.
Medical checklist Recommended items for a personal medical kit: Antibacterial cream, eg Muciprocin Antibiotics for skin infections, eg Amoxicillin/Clavulanate or Cephalexin Antibiotics for diarrhoea, including Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, or Azithromycin for bacterial diarrhoea; or Tinidazole for giardia or amoebic dysentery. Antifungal cream, eg Clotrimazole Antihistamine – there are many options, eg Cetrizine for daytime and Promethazine for night-time Antiseptic, eg Betadine Anti-spasmodic for stomach cramps, eg Buscopan Decongestant, eg Pseudoephedrine DEET-based insect repellent Diamox if going to high altitudes An oral rehydration solution (eg Gastrolyte) for diarrhoea, diarrhoea ‘stopper’ (eg Loperamide) and anti-nausea medication (eg Prochlorperazine) Elastoplasts, bandages, gauze, thermometer (but not mercury), sterile needles and syringes, safety pins and tweezers Ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory Indigestion tablets, such as Quick Eze or Mylanta Iodine tablets (unless you are pregnant or have a thyroid problem) to purify water Laxative, eg Coloxyl Paracetamol Permethrin to impregnate clothing and mosquito nets Steroid cream for allergic/itchy rashes, eg 1% to 2% hydrocortisone Sunscreen and hat Thrush (vaginal yeast infection) treatment, eg Clotrimazole pessaries or Diflucan tablet Ural or equivalent if prone to urinary infections