Need advice about vacinations
 

A friend and I are going to China on a PacificDelight escorted tour in October. We are going to be in Beijing, Shangai, Xi'an, Guilin, and Hong Kong. We are also doing a cruise on the Yangtze River Wuhan to Chongqing. I have seen that we need a tetanus-diphtheria booster but am also hearing that this is in very short supply. Also am not sure about hepatitis A. Are these really necessary? Does anyone have an opinion or knowledge about this? Thanks

Anne: YES they are necessary. Get the shots.

Anne, <BR> <BR>Agree, it's a good idea. You will see why once you've traveled a bit in China.

<BR>Anne, <BR>My adult daughter and I just did the same trip in May (2001)with an excellent tour company using 5star hotels and restaurants. We keep our Tetanus boosters up to date anyway. I opted not to do the Hep A, but she did since she is going to Nepal next year. If you are using similar hotels and restaurants, you may also feel it is not necessary to get Hep A - unless you are planning more 3rd world travel in the next few years. It is your decision, nothing is REQUIRED by anyone.

It was highly suggested to us by our physician, who specializes in travel vaccinations, to get Hepatitis A shots when going places other than Western Europe or the US. We got them before going to Cancun, Mexico. He said it was well worth the price of the two shots when compared to a chronic liver disease. Once you get both shots, you are immune for life. DEFINATELY get the Tetanus-Diptheria shot if you have not had a booster in ten years!

Check out the center for disease control website (www.cdc.org) The travel section will advise you as to what vaccinations are appopriate.