What You Need to Know About Getting a Flu Vaccination

Original Hannah Feldshuh theBeijinger 2020-02-03

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Beware, Beijingers, the winter flu is officially here. If you have noticed that your friends/colleagues/neighbors have been struck down left, right, and center, now could be your opportunity to get a flu shot and protect yourself this season before you too fall victim to the dreaded lurgy. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you attempt to side-step this flu season.

When is flu season in Beijing?

Flu season in Beijing begins in October and generally ends around March. Given the city's population density, widespread flu outbreaks are common during this period and if you work in close proximity in an office or with children, it's likely that you will be subject to flu germs in the coming months. Whether you actually exhibit the symptoms of being sick will depend on a number of factors, including whether you decide to combat the illness with a flu shot.

Should I get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that otherwise healthy adults should try to get a flu shot around the end of October, which in theory will give the best coverage for the months ahead. Additionally, they recommend that children six months through eight years should receive two doses: one as possible as the vaccine becomes available to allow the second dose, which must be administered at least four weeks later, to be received by the end of October.

How readily available are flu shots? Are they always available?

Major cities throughout China have had shortages in the last few years, with flu shots running out in early September 2017. Despite this shortage, supply also fell short in 2018 with only 14.4 million doses of flu vaccine made available, only 56 percent of 2017 supply levels. Your takeaway: if you want a flu shot, make an appointment early to guarantee access.

Are flu shots free? If not, what should I expect to pay?

While the World Health Organization has recommended that flu shots be provided free of charge in China, they are only free to "vulnerable groups" in large cities. For the elderly and school children in Beijing and Shanghai, local governments provide free flu shots at most public hospitals. Everyone else can expect to pay between RMB 150-300 for a flu shot. If you do qualify for a free flu shot, immunization starts in late September.

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Where should I go for a flu shot?

If you are looking for English-language medical services, the following hospitals and clinics offer flu shots:

Hong Kong International Medical Clinic Beijing

Daily, 9am-9pm. 9/F, Swissôtel Office Tower, 2 Chaoyangmen Bei Dajie (near Dongsishitiao station), Chaoyang District (6553 2288, medical service hotline 8541 2788)

朝阳区朝阳门北大街2号港澳中心瑞士酒店办公楼9层

Raffles Medical

Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm. Suite 105, Kunsha Centre, 16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District (6462 9112)

朝阳区新源里16号琨莎中心1座105室

Beijing United Family Hospital

Daily, 9am-6pm. 2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District (400 891 9191)

朝阳区将台路2号

READ: Why We Get Sick When the Weather Changes and What Can Be Done to Avoid It

Photo: Unsplash

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