Job Discussion Forums

marinacolleenmackay · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Hey all...

We booked our tickets the other day! Departure date July 15th! Today we went to get vaccinations at the travel clinic, and found out there is apparently a shortage on the Japanese encephalitis vaccination and we weren't able to receive them. At a 120$ a shot, and 3 shots required, I was ok with that for the time being as our bill was already around 600$!!! We were wondering if this vaccination is easier to find in Taiwan? We will also be doing a visa run to Hong Kong and could get it there if it were easier.

CWanders · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 49

I've been to Asia twice without being vaccinated for japanese enceph. I asked about it before going to China the first trip and was told that the relative infrequency of the disease compared to the price of the vaccines made it not worth it.

Granted, that was 2004. It might be worthwhile to clarify whether they were "sold out" of the vaccine or whether they don't stock it due to low demand. if they just don't carry it, I wouldn't bother.

dangerousapple · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Posts: 292

I didn't get any shots before moving to Taiwan, and never even thought about it actually. I've been here 13 years now and never had anything worse than a cold. Of course it's great that you want to be protected, but I'm not sure it's really necessary. One of the hepatitis viruses is fairly common here, but sorry I can't remember which one right now.

Hounds · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 6

I'm kinda in the same boat. I don't think I'm going to get the immunization for it. The stuff I read on the CDC website indicated that you only needed it if you were going to be spending large amounts of time in the rice fields. It's virtually non-existent in more urban areas...