Editor's notes:

[Health Byte] is your insider guide to navigating Shanghai's health maze. From the labyrinth of public and private healthcare options to the pulse of cutting-edge medical services, we've got you covered. Each bite-sized article ends with a health tip, making wellness in the city more accessible than ever. Wondering about hospital features, where to find bilingual medics, or the scoop on insurance coverage? "Health Byte" breaks it down, offering clear, actionable insights.

Welcome to our latest Health Byte! In this edition, we're diving into the world of vaccinations for expatriate children in Shanghai, offering parents essential insights to make the vaccination process as smooth as possible. We've also compiled a handy list of clinics and facilities that provide services in both English and Chinese, and accept various international insurances, ensuring you have all the information you need right at your fingertips.

Vaccinations are a critical part of keeping infectious diseases at bay. In China, the vaccination schedule for children is split into two categories: mandatory and optional. The mandatory vaccinations are essential for children to enroll in kindergartens and schools. It's important for parents to understand this distinction to ensure their children meet all health requirements for school entry.

1. Are there any difference of inoculation plan between expatriate children and Chinese children:

The vaccination schedule for both expatriate and local children in China is identical. If you're planning on staying in China for more than six months with children under the age of 6, they'll need to follow the same vaccination schedule as Chinese children.

Bring your child's vaccination records from your home country, including the names of the vaccines and the dates they were administered, along with their vaccination booklet and passport, to any hospital or clinic for registration. This will ensure your child can continue their vaccination schedule seamlessly.

This documentation is crucial, especially for enrolling your children in kindergartens and schools in Shanghai, and thankfully, it's available in both English and Chinese.

Ti Gong

2. Are there any difference on mandatory inoculation in different countries:

Vaccination plans can vary from country to country. Therefore, expatriate children planning to stay in China for an extended period should receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which may not be included in the vaccination schedules of some countries but is mandatory in China. If your child has not yet received the BCG vaccine, it's important to visit one of the designated hospitals in your district for vaccination. Shanghai boasts a wide range of vaccination clinics, including those at neighborhood health centers, district- and city-level hospitals, as well as some international clinics and hospitals, ensuring you have access to the necessary vaccinations for your child.

Here is the list for vaccination clinics with bilingual ability and commercial insurance coverage:

>>> LIST OF VACCINATION CLINICS <<<

3. The inoculation plan recommended:

In China, vaccinations for children are categorized into two groups: mandatory and optional. Mandatory vaccinations, required for enrollment in schools and kindergartens, are provided free of charge. Optional vaccines, on the other hand, must be paid for by the parents. For those seeking care in international hospitals or the VIP sections of public hospitals, be prepared for a registration fee and an injection fee. These facilities often offer vaccination packages for children, simplifying the process for parents.

Here's a look at the vaccination schedule for children between the ages of 0 and 6:

4. How about children missing the time set for the vaccination and whether a delayed inoculation can impose negative effects on children's safety and immunization effects:

The vaccination schedule is designed more as a timeframe than a set date. For example, a vaccination scheduled for a 3-month-old child can be administered at any point during that month and still be considered timely.

Although most vaccines can be safely postponed for a short period without affecting their efficacy or safety, this doesn't mean that long delays are advisable. Postponing vaccinations for too long can increase a child's risk of infection due to lack of immunity. Some vaccinations also have age restrictions, and missing these deadlines could mean that your child is unable to receive certain vaccinations.

If you miss a vaccination appointment, it's important to get in touch with your clinic as soon as possible to reschedule and ensure your child is protected.

5. Can a child receive multiple vaccines during one visit?

Yes, but it depends on the types of vaccines. It's essential to consult with the doctors at the vaccination clinic to ensure that combining vaccines during a single visit is appropriate and safe for your child, based on their specific health circumstances and the vaccination schedule.

6. What should parents do to prepare their child for vaccination?

1. The day before: Bathe your child and ensure they have a good night's sleep and eat well. Dress them in loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to remove.

2. Communication: If your child is old enough to understand, talk to them about the vaccination. Encourage them to be brave. Avoid using deception or instilling fear. Positive reinforcement and small rewards can be helpful for their cooperation and bravery.

3. Documentation: Bring your child's vaccination record and passport to the clinic.

4. Health status: Be aware of your child's current health condition. Consult with the doctor at the clinic if your child has any health concerns that might affect vaccination.

7. How can parents cooperate with medical staff during vaccination?

1. Communication: If your child is old enough, explain the importance of cooperating with the medical staff.

2. Awake and alert: **It's preferable to vaccinate your child while they're awake to prevent the shock or fear that might come from being awakened by the discomfort.

3. Proper posture: Follow the medical staff's instructions for holding your child in the correct position, exposing the area to be vaccinated. If your child struggles to stay still, you might need to gently hold them to ensure their safety and the accuracy of the injection.

4. Pre-vaccination preparation: Avoid feeding your child 30 minutes before the vaccination to reduce the risk of vomiting.

8. What steps should be taken after vaccination?

1. Observation period (super important): Don't rush off immediately after the vaccination. It's wise to stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes for observation. This way, if any immediate side effects occur, they can be addressed promptly by medical staff.

2. Post-vaccination care: Keep the vaccination site clean to prevent infection. Avoid bathing your child or engaging them in vigorous activities shortly after vaccination. Ensure they drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest to help their body recover.

3. Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your child for any signs of high fever or serious complications. Should these arise, consult a doctor immediately.

9. What are the common side effects after vaccination and the appropriate home treatments?

Common side effects at the vaccination site include redness, swelling, and pain, with some children experiencing swelling and hardness. Systemic reactions might include fever, decreased appetite, vomiting, fatigue, restless sleep, irritability, excessive crying, and a mild rash.

Here's a few recommended home treatments:

- For the first three days after vaccination, apply a cold compress to the injection site to reduce swelling and discomfort. After this period, a warm compress can help with any remaining discomfort.

- Most symptoms should improve within 7 to 14 days after the vaccination.

- If the site shows redness, swelling, and hardness larger than 3cm in diameter, it's advisable to seek medical advice.

- For a fever below 38.5 degrees Celsius, physical cooling methods, hydration, and wearing loose, cool clothing are recommended.

- If the fever exceeds 38.5 degrees, consider using antipyretics. Should the fever persist or if your child appears in poor health, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Health Byte Tips:

Spring has sprung in Shanghai, and while it's a time for blooming flowers and warmer days, it's also peak season for allergies. From sneezy mornings to itchy eyes, many of us, especially the little ones, find ourselves grappling with allergic coughs, runny noses, skin irritations, and those pesky red eyes. The usual suspects? Pollen and that bright Shanghai sun. The game plan? Keep those allergens at arm's length and don't hesitate to whisk your child off to the doc if those symptoms start getting serious. Stay safe and sniffle-free, Shanghai!

Upcoming Topics

In the next [Health Byte], we'll be diving into a detailed look of pediatric services and features of different pediatric hospitals in Shanghai. Stay tuned next Wednesday!

About the Author

Cai Wenjun is a seasoned health reporter with Shanghai Daily. With extensive experience covering the local medical system, hospitals, health officials and leading medical experts, Cai has reported on major pandemics including SARS, swine flu and COVID-19, as well as developments in the local health industry.