Immunisations for travellers

Before you head off on your next adventure, learn about infectious diseases.

China

China

Immunisations
Routine immunisations
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The following diseases may pose a risk if you’re travelling to China. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines and medicines you may need.

You should be up-to-date with your routine immunisations before a trip to China, too. Talk to your doctor about which routine vaccines you may need.

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Immunisations for travellers

Before you head off on your next adventure, learn about infectious diseases.

China

China

REGION: North Asia

In this section

Immunisations

Hepatitis A

This disease of the liver is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). While the symptoms are generally mild, they can become more severe and last up to 6 months.

Hepatitis B

This disease of the liver may lead to serious illness or death. Babies and young children are most at risk of long-term, chronic illness.

Japanese encephalitis

This virus is passed from animals – mainly pigs and wading birds – to humans via mosquitoes. While symptoms are rare, it can lead to serious, long-term complications or death.

Malaria

This infection of the liver and blood is caused by mosquito-borne parasites, and can lead to serious illness or death if not treated quickly.

Polio

A polio vaccine may be required if you are visiting the Xinjiang province. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Rabies

The rabies virus affects the nervous system and brain. A bite or scratch from an infected animal could put you at risk of rabies.

Typhoid

This bacterial infection causes high fever and other symptoms. Spread via contaminated food and water, immunisation can help prevent infection.

Yellow fever

This mosquito-borne virus is found in Africa and Central and South America. Proof of immunisation is needed if you are travelling from a country with risk.

For the latest information regarding immunisation requirements for travel to China, please speak to your doctor.

Routine Immunisations

Chickenpox (varicella)

With its typical red blistering and itchy rash, chickenpox is a highly contagious but generally mild infection, which can cause serious complications in some people.

Diphtheria

While now extremely rare in Australia thanks to immunisation, diphtheria continues to cause illness overseas. It can cause life-threatening complications.

Influenza (flu)

This highly contagious viral infection can affect anyone and can lead to serious illness. A flu vaccine is recommended every year.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a rash and fever. It can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, complications.

Meningococcal disease

This rare infection can progress rapidly, causing serious long-term disability or death within 24 hours. Immunisation can help protect against common strains.

Mumps

This viral infection causes swelling of the salivary glands and fever. While rare in Australia, immunisation is recommended to help prevent cases from occuring.

Pneumococcal disease

This potentially serious bacterial infection usually affects the very young and the elderly. Others can be at risk of complications, too.

Polio

Polio is rare in Australia but is a serious disease that can lead to long-term disability, paralysis and death. With no cure, immunisation is important.

Rubella

Also called German measles, rubella is generally a mild infection. Yet it can have serious, lifelong consequences for unborn babies or can lead to miscarriage.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a disease that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox . Immunisation helps to protect you against developing this painful disease.

Tetanus

Caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and manure, tetanus is a very serious disease. Immunisation is recommended to help protect against tetanus.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

More contagious than the flu, whooping cough affects people of all ages. It can cause serious disease in babies and complications in older adults.

More information: China

Smart Traveller – China, Health

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – China

Useful resources