Traveling has changed a lot over the last thirty years. Back then, travelling to Asia implied having a visit to the doctor and getting a few shots done before leaving. Today, vaccines are rarely required by law, but that does not mean you should not talk about it with your physician. Below, you will find a list of recommended vaccines before you head to some Eastern countries.
Focus on Japan, China and India
In this article, we are focusing on three different Asian countries, namely Japan, China and India. Whether you are heading to one of those or to another Asian country, it is always recommended to talk to your doctor about it, a few months before you leave.
Traveling to Japan
Japan is a modern country, featuring big cities like Tokyo and many natural marvels to visit, such as Mount Fuji. To enter the country, you won’t need to provide proof of vaccines, but here are the ones recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organisation) before your next trip to Japan:
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Traveling to China
Always keep in mind that the situation is different if you are only traveling for leisure or business, to the countries mentioned in this article than if you are going to live there. If the second option is your case, then talk to your doctor about the steps to take before leaving. Otherwise, there are no required vaccines in China, so here is the list of the ones you should think about primarily:
Hepatitis A, tetanus-diphtheria (DPT), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), chickenpox and typhoid.
Please note that yellow fever is required by Chinese law if you are arriving from an infected area.
Traveling to India
You will not need to prove, by law, that you have received a particular vaccine before entering India. However, this country can be particularly dangerous regarding hepatitis A and B. Since the first one can be transmitted through food and water, the risk in India is high and immunization is recommended. As for hepatitis B, the risks are slightly lower, but since it can be transmitted through contact with blood and other bodily fluids, people who intend to get into sexual activities or recreational drug use should definitely get the vaccine. Here are the other recommended vaccines:
Typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.