Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cincynate]

What vaccinations did everyone get before coming to Korea.. and did you get any different ones based on the places you traveled? Is it better to get them in the US or in Korea? Any information you can provide would be great. Thanks!

[t1m1ty]

I'll be leaving in about 2-3 months. I got both the Hepatitis A and B immunizations and updated my basic vaccines. My doctor told me Korea is no longer considered a "rural" country (at least in Seoul) so typhoid wasn't needed. He also stated that the Japanese Encephalitis immunization can be taken when I arrive in Korea. Taking them outside of Korea would probably be better, if you're covered by health insurance. I just graduated from college and do not have health coverage at the moment, so it cost me quite a bit.

[D.D.]

Vaccinations are very bad for your health. Please read up on this as the guys selling them to you will not tell you the truth. Actually they have done such a good sales and fear job that you will probably react in a negative way to what I just said. Vaccinations are bad for your health and nature gave you a great thing called a immune system that doesn't need humans playing around with it.

[Dazed and Confused]

Hep A and B wouldn't be a bad idea if you aren't up to date already. I think almost every small clinic in Korea can give them to you. I paid about 50,000 won for Hep A just a few months ago. Chollera and typhoid are non-existant here as far as I know and Tetnus you can get if you need. I also get a flu shot every year but only because working and having the flu is especially nasty. It's cheap at 10,000 won.

[Misera]

I got my tetanus shot (been 10 years) at a hospital close to Guri station for 30k~ My doctor back at home said it would cost me 45k+ if I got it when I went home.

[romano812]

I'm from Canada. My doctor recommended the Hep shots, but said even those aren't necesary. I read an article somewhere (sorry don't remember where) that stated approximately 10% of the population in Korea has some form of Hep due to the sharing of drinks, food, etc.

[Kwangjuchicken]

In September 2008 I caught South African Mad Elephant Disease from my new cow orker/ office mate. But as far as I know there is no vac. for that. I survived.

[Big Mac]

I got Hepatitis A and B shots, and I think you probably should get them because of the increased risk here due to the sharing of food, etc. The shots cost about the same as they do in Canada. You need three shots in order to be immune for life (0 months, 1 month, 6 months). If you get your shots in Canada or the U.S. they will probably give you Twinrex (A and B in one shot) but when I got it here a few years ago they didn't have Twinrex and had to give me two shots instead. I think it's about 50,000 Won a shot.

I didn't get the Japanese Encephalitis until I had been here for four years. I thought it would be good to have though just in case. In Korea they will give you one shot that will last for life (50,000 Won). Rural areas of Korea are at higher risk, since the disease is spread through the mosquito.

I would also recommend that you make sure your basic tetanus/polio/diptheria shots are up to date. It is necessary to update them every ten years. In Canada it's free (it's all in one).

[D.D.]

With your lack of medical knowledge and education on both sides of this subject you really shouldn't have an opinion on this matter. I have more than 15 years of knowledge about this and they are very dangerous. I also hate when people with little facts that just parrot info from a GP that makes cash from the transaction. That is called sales not education. Please clam up unless you have done your research on many angles on this issue.

[Seoul'n'Corea]

[cruisemonkey]

I've been in K-land for over four years with no vaccinations and am still alive/healthy (and I don't eat a lot of kimchie).

[morrisonhotel]

[D.D.]

[losing_touch]

You might think about a yellow fever vaccination.

[Carla]