Travel Vaccinations for China

Malaria

There is no risk of malaria in China. The World Health Organization certified China malaria free in 2021 and NaTHNaC advises no antimalarial tablets for travel anywhere in the country, including the Yunnan provinces bordering Myanmar and Laos. Standard insect bite avoidance still matters for dengue and Japanese encephalitis.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is endemic in parts of China.

Vaccination may be recommended for:

• Rural or agricultural travel
• Stays of one month or longer
• Shorter rural travel between May and October
• Uncertain or flexible itineraries

Risk is considered low for short trips limited to major cities and lower in Qinghai and Xinjiang provinces.

Rabies

Rabies is present in dogs and other mammals throughout China.

Pre-exposure rabies vaccination should be considered for:

• Long stays
• Rural travel
• Animal contact
• Remote itineraries where treatment access may be delayed

If exposed:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes
• Apply antiseptic if available
• Attend hospital or A&E immediately

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is hospital-only treatment and is not available in UK community pharmacies.

Tibet Altitude (Tibet or Qinghai Travel)

Lhasa sits at 3,656 metres, and much of Tibet, Qinghai and western Sichuan lies above 3,000 metres.

Acute mountain sickness can affect travellers regardless of age or fitness level.

Preventative advice includes:

• Gradual ascent where possible
• Rest days at intermediate altitude
• Avoid alcohol on arrival
• Maintain hydration

Warning signs include:

• Breathlessness at rest
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Persistent vomiting

Descent is the most important treatment for serious altitude illness.

Acetazolamide may help reduce altitude sickness risk in some travellers and is a prescription-only medicine. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber.

Air Quality

Air pollution can be significant in Beijing, Tianjin and parts of northern China, particularly during winter months.

Travellers with asthma, COPD or respiratory conditions should:

• Carry regular inhalers and medication
• Pack enough medication for the full trip
• Monitor local air quality reports where possible

Visiting Friends and Relatives

Travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR travellers) in China are considered higher risk for travel-related illness.

VFR travellers are more likely to:

• Stay in local accommodation
• Travel to rural areas
• Eat local food
• Miss pre-travel vaccination advice

Even for repeat trips, a pre-travel health review is recommended.

When to Book

We recommend booking your China travel vaccination appointment six to eight weeks before departure.

This allows time to complete multi-dose vaccine schedules where required, including hepatitis B, rabies and Japanese encephalitis.

What We Can Supply

Vaccines provided during consultation are subject to current Patient Group Direction (PGD) coverage and stock availability at the time of your appointment.

During your visit we can:

• Assess your itinerary and travel health risks
• Provide personalised vaccination advice
• Administer appropriate travel vaccines
• Support altitude and mosquito bite prevention planning
• Refer to an Independent Prescriber where required

Antimalarials and altitude medication are prescription-only medicines and are not prescribed on site. Where appropriate, we will refer you to an Independent Prescriber, NHS GP or private prescriber.

Our pharmacist-led travel clinic supports travellers from Rochdale, Manchester and across Greater Manchester with China travel vaccinations and personalised travel health consultations.

Our clinic offers free on-site parking, refreshments during your visit and convenient access from across Greater Manchester.