Job Discussion Forums

kahsea · Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 3

I was wondering what vaccines/immunizations you received prior to going to Taiwan? I started the hepatitis A/B series and plan on getting a tetanus shot (which is long overdue anyway). Is there anything else that you would definitely recommend?

Is there anything I should save my money on now, and get when I am in Taiwan? Can you just go to a doctor for an immunization?

Thanks for all of your help!

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

I never had any shots. I guess the only thing I ever worry about here (and it's not all that often) is Dengue Fever, but I don't think there is a shot for it.

Do what you gotta do, feel as safe as you need to, but I wouldn't stress out about it.

MTurton · Joined: 10 Mar 2004 Posts: 107

Agree 100%. Healthwise, pollution and traffic are the major threats, and there is no vaccination against either. You are far more likely to get hurt driving a scooter than to get Hep.

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

Hep shots are a wise (and relatively inexpensive) precaution that should be taken before coming here. Hep A can be spread through utensils, food handlers and the like. There is a risk of contracting it in Taiwan's frequently less sanitary restaurants. Also Hep B is more prevelent here than in the west. The Hep series vaccination is, to my knowledge, the one that doctors recommend for Taiwan. It is also very likely the only one. Don't worry about vaccines for Dengue fever or exotic tropical diseases. This isn't Cambodia, it's Taiwan.

canadiangirlsrock · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 14

I have also been preparing to get ready to head over to Taiwan. The shots i got have been the series of hep shots, tetanus and just a booster shot of MMR; measles, mumps and rubella. This is all the travel clinic had suggested for Taiwan. Good luck