Hi,
I am a Canadian-born Chinese who will be working in Hong Kong for the next 4 months and living with relatives. I may travel to other parts of China such as Shenzhen, Hangzhou, or maybe Taiwan. I have been to Hong Kong many times, but usually only for 2 weeks.
Could you give me your advice on what immunizations I would need? My Hep A and Hep B vaccines are up to date and my other routine immunizations are up to date. I have not been to the travel medicine clinic yet and I am trying to avoid it.
I have the impression that the only vaccine I might need is the Typhoid fever vaccine. Before a previous trip to China I went to the travel clinic and they gave me the Typhoid fever vaccine which is valid for 3 years. It has since expired. I am leaning towards not getting it this time because Typhoid is not endemic in Hong Kong, though it is endemic in China. I get the feeling that it is not a serious disease and I would only get some diarrhea if I get it. Also I think the locals do not get the vaccine and probably expats working in China wouldn't go and get the vaccine every 3 years either. I read though that if you get the disease you could become a carrier and transfer it to other people. Are there any consequences for me when I return to Canada if I become a Typhoid carrier? I have read the CDC site on China, but would like to get some advice some people with experience.
Thanks in advance for your advice.