Protecting and maintaining our children’s health & well-being is the number one priority on every parent’s list. Dr Lyn Wren from Beijing International SOS Clinic has given us the basics of vaccination: what's essential and what's sensible for those living and traveling in Asia.

Immunization Questions

Childhood immunization is one weapon that enables us to prevent our children from getting devastating diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia and polio. However navigating the immunization process whilst living in another country or moving between countries can seem like a daunting process: Which Childhood Immunization schedule should we follow? What are the differences between the schedules? What if I want to add something in to my home country’s standard schedule? What about special immunizations because we are living in China? The pediatric team of doctors at International SOS work with parents in making the best possible choices, answering these questions and many more.

Many countries have generally agreed on which childhood immunizations are essential; however there may be minor differences from country to country. Many times parents will choose to follow the schedule of their home country and supplement it with some other immunizations that are recommended by reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization or the CDC in the United States.

Standard Vaccinations

It is fair to say that most countries include Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (also called Pertussis), Haemophilus Influenza B (which causes meningitis and a serious upper airway disease called epiglottitis) and Hepatitis B. This sounds like a lot of needles but fortunately the new combination vaccines such as the 5 in 1 vaccination available here in Beijing makes it one vaccination instead of 5. Other standard immunizations cover Polio, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles). The 2011 outbreak of Polio in North Western China or the measles outbreaks in France in 2008/09 both highlight the importance of continuing to pay attention to vaccinate our children. Additional vaccinations that are found on the schedules in some countries include BCG (to protect against Tuberculosis), Chicken Pox (Varicella) and Rotavirus (which causes a serious gastroenteritis in young children).

Older children and teenagers are also included in the vaccination schedule. Having booster shots at the right time is essential so that our children stay protected, as they get older. There are also several vaccines that are especially for teenagers such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Meningitis Vaccines. The HPV vaccine is recommended around the age of 12-13 years to help protect against cervical cancer in females, as they get older. The Meningococcal vaccine to protect against meningitis is also highly recommended for teenagers going off to university especially when they will be living in communal accommodation.

Vaccinations for Living and Traveling in China

In addition to the standard childhood vaccinations there are other vaccinations to consider whilst living in China and traveling in the region. These include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis. Hepatitis A and typhoid are serious infections usually transmitted by contaminated food or water, whilst Japanese Encephalitis is carried by mosquitoes and occurs in some areas of Beijing. Any mammal including cats, dogs, monkeys and bats potentially carries the deadly disease rabies and as China has many stray cats and dogs, Rabies vaccination is something to consider especially for children and those traveling in rural areas of China. Last but not least is the recent recommendation that all children (and adults) should have the Influenza vaccination every year. Children are particularly vulnerable and when we recall the H1N1 outbreak of 2009 we realise the importance of prevention.

Keeping Vaccination Records

One of the unique challenges for our local expatriate community is good record keeping. For families who are often on the move, having vaccinations in different countries as they go, this can be difficult. Using a good International Immunization Record book for each of your children will ensure that the right vaccinations are given at the right time. For children that have missed out on some essential vaccinations, catch up immunization is recommended.

There are often many questions relating to vaccinating our children against common childhood and travel related illnesses. Getting reliable information and then discussing your concerns with your doctor is very important. Taking the time to talk about your child’s vaccinations with your doctor can help to maximize your child’s health and well-being. Here at International SOS our pediatric team is able to discuss your child’s specific immunization needs at any time.