Hi everyone.

We are going to Beijing for 4 days, and wondered if anyone has traveled to China without vaccinations?

Travelers' clinic here recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Influenza. However, the cost is very expensive (over $400 for both of us) for the visit and shots. Our medical insurance does not cover this.

I'm questioning whether it's worth spending that amount to go for only 4 days. If we were careful with what we ate and drank, is it possible to go without getting shots? I'm sure it isn't recommended though...

Do some research at the cdc website: www.cdc.gov/travel

I assume your tetanus/diptheria shots are up to date. Many people would say that you should have Hep A vaccine for staying at home, as it is a problem in the US and Western Europe as well as in developing countries. Many people would say the same thing about Influenza (I'm appalled that your insurance won't cover that!). Typhoid is less of a problem in Bejing than it is in more southerly parts of China.

I'd suggest that you talk with your primary care doc. I'm guess that your insurance may not pay for vaccines from a travel clinic, but might well from your primary care provider.

While you certainly can travel without the vaccines and people do, I think it's generally unwise. You may want to think of the vaccines as preparation for future trips. The Hep A vaccine is good for at least 10 years and if you take the oral typhoid vaccine it's good for 5 years. Infleunza must be renewed yearly.

Thanks Kathie. I did check with our primary care physician, and unfortunately, they are not able to give them (influenza only.)

You're right that we probably should have Hepatitis anyway, and if it's good for years, that would help for future travel.

Will consider further.
Thanks much.

Check with your local health dept. in your town or county. My insurance wouldn't pay for anything travel related and the charges at my Dr. office were quite expensive. My local county health dept gave me a free tetanus and charged $40 for a Hep A. My husband had the combo Hep A & B for $40.Both of those are done in a series so each shot is a $40 charge. My boss was able to write me a script for the typhoid vaccine in capsule form which was covered by my ins. for $35. Ins. also covered Malarone and Doxycycline for us because we have a prescription plan.

Just chcked my cancelled checks and realized that my Hep A shot was only $20 not $40. All the better!