What are the mandatory and recommended vaccines for a trip to China?
No vaccination is mandatory for China (except yellow fever if coming from a risk zone). Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A (systematic), and depending on your stay: Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and tick-borne encephalitis for rural areas.
Systematically recommended vaccinations
Hepatitis A: vaccination advised for all travelers. 1 injection 15 days before departure, booster 1 to 3 years later. Possible from 1 year of age.
Vaccinations depending on the type of stay
- Japanese encephalitis: for stays in rural areas during the transmission period (from 2 months).
- Hepatitis B: for long or repeated stays (2 injections spaced one month apart, booster 6 months later).
- Rabies: in case of prolonged stay in isolated situations (as soon as the child can walk).
- Typhoid: for prolonged stays or in poor hygiene conditions (from 2 years).
- Tick-borne encephalitis: for rural or forested areas in the north, from spring to autumn (from 1 year).
Malaria prevention
Transmission limited to rural areas of Hainan and Yunnan (multidrug-resistant P. falciparum). Chemoprophylaxis recommended: Atovaquone/Proguanil, Doxycycline or Mefloquine. Anti-mosquito protection essential.
Key points
The yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required when arriving from countries at risk or after transiting more than 12 hours in an airport in a risk zone.