Planning a Trip to China? While China is home to vibrant cities, rich history, and diverse regions, Australian travellers should ensure their vaccinations are up to date before departure. Diseases like hepatitis, typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis still occur in some parts of China, particularly in rural or remote areas. According to Smartraveller, the official Australian government travel advice website, travellers should consult a healthcare provider well before departure to receive recommended vaccinations for their destination.
Consulting a travel health specialist 6–8 weeks before your trip allows time for necessary immunisations and ensures you meet China’s entry and public health recommendations. Knowing what shots you need for China not only protects you, it also helps prevent the spread of disease within communities.
Vaccines to Get Before Travelling
Before travelling to China, ensure your routine vaccinations are current. These vaccines protect against common infections that still pose risks. Staying up to date lowers your risk of illness and reduces the chance of spreading disease.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
MMR viruses are highly contagious and can spread quickly in airports, and crowded areas. Cases still occur in parts of Asia, including regions visited by international travellers. All adults should have received two doses. If unsure, a booster may be recommended.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough)
These diseases spread through cuts, airborne droplets, and close contact. Tetanus bacteria live in soil and can enter through small wounds. Whooping cough can cause serious respiratory issues, especially for babies. Travellers should get a booster every 10 years to stay protected.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox may seem mild but often causes severe symptoms in adults, including high fever and skin infections. Travellers born after 1980 who have not had chickenpox or vaccination should get immunised before departure. This is especially important if visiting family or children.
Flu (Influenza)
Influenza is common worldwide and spreads more easily in winter months and crowded environments. Flu viruses change yearly, so an updated vaccine is essential before travel. Getting vaccinated helps prevent missed travel plans, hospitalisation, or spreading the flu to others.
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended, particularly for high-risk groups. Most destinations, including China, continue to monitor COVID-19 status and may require proof of vaccination. Check Australian and Chinese guidelines and ensure you are up to date with current boosters.
Additional Vaccines Based on Travel Plans
Some vaccines depend on your destination within China, planned activities, and how long you’ll stay. These may be needed in addition to routine vaccinations.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water. It is common in areas with poor sanitation. The vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially those visiting rural areas or eating street food.
Hepatitis B
This virus spreads through blood, medical contact, and unprotected sex. It’s essential for travellers staying long-term, undergoing medical procedures, or working in healthcare. A full vaccine course is usually given in three doses.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is linked to food and water contamination. It’s more common in rural areas or when dining in local, less regulated settings. The vaccine offers protection for about three years.
Polio Booster
While Australia is polio-free, some countries still report cases. Travellers to regions with recent outbreaks may need a single adult booster if they haven’t had one since childhood.
Japanese Encephalitis
This mosquito-borne virus is found in parts of rural China, especially during the rainy season. Vaccination is recommended if you’ll be staying for an extended time or visiting high-risk areas during mosquito season.
Rabies
Rabies can be spread by dog or animal bites. It’s fatal without treatment. The vaccine is important for travellers spending time in remote areas, around animals, or with limited access to medical care.
Cholera
Cholera is rare but can occur in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. A vaccine may be recommended for humanitarian workers or those travelling to high-risk locations.
Vaccines You Might Need for Transit or Entry
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry into China unless you are arriving from a country with a known yellow fever risk. This includes certain parts of Africa and South America. The vaccine is highly effective and typically only needed once in a lifetime.
How to check
Travellers can confirm yellow fever certificate requirements by visiting the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website or speaking to a travel health clinic. Make sure your documentation is valid before travelling if transiting through a yellow fever-affected country.
Getting Vaccines Overseas: What to Know About China
Vaccine regulation in China
Vaccines in mainland China are regulated by local health authorities. While major cities may offer access to licensed vaccines, oversight and quality standards can vary between regions.
Risk of counterfeit vaccines
There have been cases of fake or improperly stored vaccines in the past, particularly in rural areas. While efforts have been made to improve regulation, the risk of receiving an ineffective or unsafe vaccine remains higher than in Australia.
Why get vaccinated in Australia
To avoid health complications, it’s best to complete all required travel vaccinations in Australia before your departure. Australian health services maintain strict quality control and record-keeping. Vaccinating locally also ensures time for your body to build immunity before travel.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Australia
Travel Clinics and Local GPs
If you’re preparing for a trip to China, you can access travel vaccinations through dedicated travel health clinics or your regular general practitioner (GP).
Southgate Medical Centre – Frankston / Mornington Peninsula
For travellers in Victoria, Southgate Medical Centre offers expert pre-travel care:
- Travel Health Specialist: Dr Martin Fox (MBBS), Travel Doctor-TMVC accredited
- Bookings: Call (03) 9786 3400 or book online
Travel health clinics provide comprehensive consultations tailored to your destination and itinerary.
Entry and Health Rules for Travellers from Australia
No mandatory vaccines for entry
China does not require specific vaccinations for entry from Australia. However, if you’re transiting through a country with yellow fever risk, a vaccination certificate may be necessary. Requirements may vary depending on airline policies and stopover countries, so always confirm before your journey.
COVID-19 rules
Entry policies related to COVID-19 continue to evolve. Some airlines or destinations may request proof of vaccination or recent test results. Travellers should check updates via Smartraveller, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the Chinese embassy. Carry both digital and physical copies of vaccination certificates and be prepared for changes in requirements at short notice.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It should include coverage for vaccine-related complications, COVID-19 disruptions, medical evacuation, and last-minute cancellations. Policies that cover overseas healthcare are essential when visiting a country like China, where public hospital systems may differ greatly from Australia’s.
Food and water safety
Unsafe food and water are common sources of illness abroad. Avoid tap water, ice, and uncooked foods. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Choose freshly prepared meals served hot, and wash hands frequently or use hand sanitiser. Being cautious with what you eat and drink can prevent travel-related stomach infections.
After Your Trip: Looking After Your Health
Watch for symptoms
Travellers may feel fine during their return but become unwell days or weeks later. Watch for warning signs such as persistent fever, diarrhoea, jaundice (yellowing skin or eyes), fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes. These symptoms could indicate hepatitis, dengue fever, or other travel-related illnesses.
When to see a doctor
If symptoms appear, don’t delay seeking care. Visit your GP and tell them where you travelled, how long you stayed, and any specific exposures (such as insect bites or untreated water). Bring your vaccination record to assist diagnosis. Early diagnosis helps manage complications and protect others from infection.
Ongoing monitoring
Some health conditions like tuberculosis or parasitic infections may not show symptoms immediately. If you’re feeling unwell weeks later, particularly after rural or high-risk travel, mention this to your doctor for further testing.
Helpful Advice for a Safe and Smooth Trip
How to get travel vaccines in Australia
Speak with your GP, pharmacist, or book an appointment at a travel clinic. Bring your travel dates and destinations. Clinics may also provide written proof of vaccination if required for entry into other countries. Some vaccines may be in limited supply, so plan ahead.
Fit vaccines into your travel plans
It’s best to plan vaccinations alongside your other trip details. Some immunisations need multiple doses or take weeks to be fully effective. Avoid leaving it too late—especially for vaccines like Japanese encephalitis or rabies that require scheduling.
Where to find trusted information
Use reliable sources such as:
- Australian Government’s Smartraveller website
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Travel clinics approved by the Department of Health
- Your GP or registered travel health provider
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What shots do I need for China if I’m travelling from Australia?
Most travellers to China should have up-to-date routine vaccinations, including MMR, Tdap, and influenza. Travel-specific vaccinations for China from Australia may include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis depending on your destination and travel plans. A travel health clinic can help tailor your vaccine schedule.
Are travel injections for China mandatory for Australian citizens?
Vaccinations are not mandatory for entry into China from Australia unless you’re transiting a country with yellow fever risk. However, recommended travel vaccinations for China help protect against serious illnesses and are strongly advised for your safety.
Can I get vaccinated after arriving in China?
It’s safer to complete your vaccinations in Australia. While some vaccines are available in China, there are concerns about regulation and counterfeit doses in certain areas. Australian health clinics follow strict immunisation standards and give your body time to build protection before departure.