Culture, Daily Living, & Adjustment

Inoculations and Immunizations

The Chinese government does not require foreigners to have any inoculations or immunizations before arriving in China.

However, hepatitis-B is fairly prevalent in China with some experts estimating that up to 15 percent of all Chinese are carriers. Consequently, it is advisable to receive immunizations for hepatitis-A, and -B before arriving in China. Some health experts also suggest that your tetanus and tuberculosis immunizations should be up-to-date as well.

In light of the recent swine flu outbreak, it is also strongly recommended that you receive the H1N1 vaccination before moving to China. According to at least two news reports, H1N1 has reached epidemic proportions in China to the degree that hospitals and schools have been ordered to stop testing for and reporting new cases in order to "avoid public panic" (Li Zhenzi, 2009). Many hospitals throughout the country have exceeded capacity with 90% of all new patients in December 2009 presenting with swine flu symptoms (Fang Xiao and Gu Qing’er, 2009).

Aside from the aforementioned warnings regarding hepatitis and swine flu infection, unless a teacher engages in high-risk behaviors, the biggest health risks most foreigners face are recurrent episodes of upper- and lower-respiratory bacterial and viral infections, as well as gastrointestinal distress, for which there are no vaccinations.