What Vaccinations Do You Need for China in 2023?

What are the required (and recommended) vaccinations for China in 2023? Whether you’re taking a short trip to China or you’re planning to move there as an expat, it’s helpful to know what China vaccinations are recommended to keep you safe and healthy. Here’s a quick breakdown of all you need to know.

Before we dive into these recommended vaccinations for China, I strongly suggest that you consult your doctor at least 6 weeks prior to your trip to get professional medical advice.

What I’m about to share with you is based upon recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but should only be used in consultation with a licensed medical doctor.

For an up-to-date list of the recommended vaccines for your visit to China, visit the CDC website here.

This article on vaccines for China was first published as a chapter in the best-selling book Travel to China | Everything You Need to Know Before You Go.

For even more great tips and answers to travel questions, make sure to buy a copy. Available on Amazon as both an ebook and paper back.

Required Vaccinations for China in 2023

For visitors and tourist, China only requires proof of a Covid vaccine but does not require any other particular vaccines unless you are arriving from a country that has a high risk of yellow fever.

If you’re traveling through or are a citizen of one of these countries with yellow fever risk, which are all located in Africa, Central & South America, you’ll likely already have a Yellow Fever vaccination anyway.

At no point during the China visa process will you be asked for proof of immunization for anything other than Covid.

The China vaccinations you choose are entirely voluntary and although many of us were immunized as children, the schedules have changed over time so it’s worth comparing what you have versus what is now recommended.

China’s COVID-19 Vaccine Policy for Travelers

Although China’s borders are effectively still closed to most foreigners wanting to enter the country, those that do apply for the visa will be required to have:

• Two doses of a WHO-approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to landing in China;
• Two negative Covid tests (PRC and antibody) no more than 48 hours prior to travel;
• You will still need to quarantine for 14 days in a government-approved quarantine facility;

As with most countries right now, these regulations tend to change on a monthly basis, so you’ll need to speak directly with a nearby China embassy to get the most up-to-date information.

Recommended China Vaccinations Based on Destination

It makes a difference where you’re traveling in China and how long you’ll be there.

The Centers for Disease Control and most doctors recommend a wide range of vaccinations for China based on your length of stay and where exactly you’ll be headed to.

Vaccinations for China’s Big Cities

If you never plan to leave the major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong, routine immunizations usually cover you well. This is true whether you’re traveling as a tourist or living in the city as an expatriate.

These routine immunizations include:

• MMR: Measles-mumps-rubella
• Tdap: This is also known as the tetanus vaccine.
• Varicella: This is the chickenpox vaccine.
• Polio vaccine
• Your yearly flu shot

Visiting China’s Rural Areas

For those travelers who have plans to travel outside the major cities but won’t be in the country for very long, the CDC recommends you consider the following vaccinations for China:

• Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended because there are parts of China where contaminated food or water puts you at risk of Hepatitis A.
• Typhoid: This is recommended for those who are staying in the homes of friends or relatives in smaller cities throughout China.

Recommendations for Traveling Long-Term into China’s Rural Areas

Finally, if you plan to venture into rural areas of China or hope to stay for a month or longer, the CDC recommends you discuss the following immunizations with your doctor:

• Hepatitis B: Since this is usually spread by blood or contaminated needles, you’ll want to make sure you have this China vaccination if you have any plans of getting a tattoo, piercing or any type of medical procedure in the country.
• Japanese Encephalitis: This is particularly important in rural areas where you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
• Polio: The CDC recommends this China vaccination for those visiting the Xinjiang region, working at a healthcare facility or doing humanitarian aid of any kind.
• Rabies: This is recommended if there’s any particular reason you’ll be around animals while in China.
• Yellow Fever: There is low yellow fever risk in the country, but you’ll need this vaccination for China if you’re coming from a country that does. You can find a list of countries with a risk of yellow fever here.
• Malaria: If you plan to do outdoor hiking or camping in China, anywhere that might expose you to mosquitoes in China, taking measures to prevent malaria might be a good idea

Now if you’re like me, you look at this list and your head starts spinning…

…don’t worry!

Most of us have all the required immunizations we need for short-term travel around China.

There are, however, one or two you want to add just for the sake of precaution, particularly if you’ll be visiting rural areas or doing a lot of outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts on Healthcare in China

The bottom line is that you need to ask your personal physician what they think about recommended vaccinations for China. Schedule an appointment at least 6 weeks in advance of your trip so that you have plenty of time to add any immunizations you don’t have.

Also, while a list like this shouldn’t scare you, it should make you consider the need for good travel health insurance while you’re in China.

The risks are low, but if something ever happens (as I’ve seen it happen before), it’s one of those things you’ll be grateful you had.