Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JRP]

Went to my Doc(Qld,Australia) to find out what vaccinations I should have to work in South Korea.One immunisation he said I must have is Japanese Encephalitis.The price is $AU 250 for each shot and there are 3 but I will not have time to have the entire course here and will have to have the last one in S Korea.The chemist said it might be cheaper to have the whole course there.Also it is difficult to get it here.Any advice much appreciated

[kangnamdragon]

I don't think that disease is in Korea. I never had any special shots before coming to Korea from the US.

[wowser]

Heya- I'm a kiwi- so know what u r talking about...(expensive at home@!!?) I have had shots done here for travel in SE asia...cheaper here- and no hassle...
I woud get Hep. b sorted as soon as u can here...

[schwa]

Skip the encephalitis shots -- its exceedingly rare here. If you search on 'korea japanese encephalitis' numerous articles confirm this. This is typical:

"The chance that a traveler to Asia will get Japanese encephalitis is very small: 1) only certain mosquito species can spread Japanese encephalitis; 2) in areas infested with mosquitoes, only a small portion of the mosquitoes are usually infected with Japanese encephalitis virus; 3) among persons who are infected by a mosquito bite, only 1 in 50 to 1 in 1,000 will develop an illness. As a result, fewer than 1 case per year is reported in U.S. civilians and military personnel traveling to and living in Asia. Only 5 cases among Americans traveling or working in Asia have been reported since 1981."

Thats for all of Asia. Cases among Koreans last summer amounted to a handful, all in rural backwaters. Even then, the disease tends to be fatal only among the very young or those with already weakened immune systems. You run a far greater likelihood of getting sick from the vaccination itself -- 0.6% experience side effects, some quite serious.

Save your money & dont give it another thought.

[Jane99]

You can get the shot in Korea for much cheaper. I believe it's between 40,000 to 60,000 one and it's available in one shot, rather than 3 separate shots. I got my shot done in Seoul.

[djinn]

When I talked to the travel clinic here they said that Japanese encephalitis shots are only necessary if you are planning on spending several weeks in rice paddies.

I would just save your money and if you travel through rural areas make sure you use bug repellant.

Djinn

[komtengi]

yeah but if you do catch it the results are pretty damn scary...