36 / 123
36
Malaria
Different types of Malaria have been found in areas such asHainan andYunnan however
transmission only occurs in areas below 1500 meters in a warm climate.There is no risk in
popular areas, cities and tourist destinations such as Yangtze River tours, and there is no risk in
HongKong orMacau.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles)
Administeredasonedoseat12monthsofage.Sideeffectsmayincludearashortemperature.
Girlsaregivena rubellaboosterat 11-13yearsof
age.Itisawise ideaforadultstogeta
vaccine shot against this before they come to Hong Kong. In the spring of 1997 there was a
small outbreak of rubella andmanywere kept out of work for up to threeweeks.
Rabies
Immunization is only advisable in areas where rabies is endemic, particularly for individuals
planning to travel to remote areas; to live, camp, hike or bike through a rural location where post
exposure immunization might be difficult to obtain.
Typhoid
Typhoid is contracted from contaminated food and water. A vaccine is available (two doses about
amonth apart). Protection is also available as capsules, with four taken on alternate days for
about a week. A booster is required every three years. The vaccination/capsules are not usually
needed inHongKong,butwe recommend inoculation fortravel toareaswithpoorwaterquality
and poorhygiene.
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Thevaccine isavailable inHongKongand thiscanbeadministered from13monthsofage
onwards.Adultsneedtochecktheir immunity.Contractingthisvirusasanadultcan leadto
more serious complications than the childhood infection.