PUBLISHED DECISION GUIDE
Official Guide to Child Vaccination in Shanghai
Learn about the mandatory vaccination schedule for children in Shanghai, including registration, required vaccines, and clinic options.
If you are a foreign family planning to live in Shanghai with children under six, this guide explains the official vaccination requirements and how to ensure your child meets them.
Independently written English guidance based on cited public sources. Every public guide is human reviewed; it is not an official translation of the source publisher.
Understanding Vaccination Requirements
In China, both expatriate and local children follow an identical vaccination schedule. If you plan to reside in China for over six months with children under age six, they must adhere to the same vaccination schedule as Chinese children.
This requirement ensures that children are protected against common diseases and can enroll in kindergartens and schools in Shanghai.
Registration and Documentation
To facilitate the vaccination process, bring your child's vaccination records from your home country, their vaccination booklet, and their passport to a hospital or clinic for registration.
This documentation holds significant importance, particularly for enrolling your children in kindergartens and schools in Shanghai.
Mandatory and Optional Vaccines
Vaccination plans can vary significantly from one country to another. Expatriate children intending to reside in China for an extended period should receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which is mandatory in China.
Children's vaccinations are divided into two categories: mandatory and optional. Mandatory vaccinations, necessary for school and kindergarten enrollment, are provided free of charge. In contrast, optional vaccines require payment.
Accessing Vaccination Services
If your child has not yet received the BCG vaccine, it is crucial to visit one of the designated hospitals in your district for vaccination. Shanghai offers many vaccination clinics, including neighborhood health centers and district- and city-level hospitals, as well as some international clinics and hospitals, ensuring that your child has access to necessary vaccinations.
For those opting for care in international hospitals or the VIP sections of public hospitals, it's important to anticipate registration and vaccination fees.
Public sources
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