Vaccination in China: Booking and Catch-up for International Families

China uses a national immunisation programme and non-program vaccines. Start by organising past records. Then ask the local clinic about products, eligibility, documents, cost, and booking. Nationality or insurance alone does not establish eligibility. Another city's experience may not apply.

National programme and non-program vaccines

The government provides national programme vaccines under applicable rules. They are for residents living in China. Non-program vaccines are additional choices given with informed consent. They are not lower-quality vaccines. A vaccination clinician considers age, health, records, and the product leaflet.

From November 10, 2025, eligible 13-year-old girls can receive bivalent HPV vaccine. The programme uses two doses, six months apart. Ask the clinic about other ages, products, and local arrangements.

Childhood vaccination and catch-up

The 2026 schedule covers hepatitis B, BCG, polio, DTaP, measles-mumps-rubella, and other vaccines. DTaP is given at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months. It is given again at 6 years. This is five doses in total. The clinic makes the individual plan using the current schedule.

A missed dose does not usually require a restart. The clinic can arrange needed catch-up doses. It will review valid records and the child's current condition. Bring original, electronic, or clear overseas records. The clinic decides whether it can accept them. It also decides how catch-up works.

Keep paper and electronic records safely. Childcare or school entry may require a record check.

Non-program and adult vaccines

Pneumococcal, influenza, EV71, varicella, rotavirus, Hib, and combination vaccines can supplement childhood protection. Adults can ask about influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, hepatitis B, HPV, and other vaccines. Product approval, age range, supply, and fees vary. One city's price or stock does not apply elsewhere.

Free adult vaccines can depend on vaccine type and local priority arrangements. Enrolment alone does not decide this. The clinician should review past records and product information before any choice.

Seek prompt medical assessment after an animal bite or scratch. Do not arrange a routine vaccine visit yourself. A clinician decides whether vaccination should wait. This may matter during pregnancy, breastfeeding, acute illness, or certain medicine use.

Booking for international residents

International residents can start with the local community health centre. They can also use a designated vaccination clinic. Local disease-control authorities may publish clinic lists. Clinics may request a passport, residence documents, past records, or guardian documents. Ask for the exact list before booking.

Booking may be arranged through an employer or school. A local community may also help with booking. Some clinics offer direct booking on official local platforms. Platform names and document rules can change. Confirm with the local authority or clinic.

1. Contact the clinic. State age, requested vaccine, and available overseas records.
2. Bring requested documents. Report allergies, medical history, medicines, and past reactions.
3. The clinician completes health questions, consent, and an individual plan.
4. Follow observation instructions. Keep the paper or electronic record.

The local clinic decides eligibility, fees, and stock. It also determines any free programme arrangement. Its current notice sets non-program vaccine charges.

After vaccination

Rest before vaccination and report your health history and medicines. Follow the clinic's observation and written instructions. Keep the vaccination record. The clinic will explain activity, bathing, or alcohol restrictions. Do not use advice from another product or city instead.

Seek care for persistent high fever or breathing difficulty. Do the same for facial or throat swelling. Seek care for altered consciousness or other severe symptoms. Contact the clinic through the local process when appropriate. This article cannot assess individual symptoms.

Common questions

• What if a record is lost? Ask the original or local clinic about replacement records. Electronic-record access varies by area.
• Free vaccines for international children? Ask the local clinic to check eligibility and documents.
• Will private insurance cover vaccines? Check the policy and insurer. Coverage differs for prevention and post-exposure care.
• Why is an HPV vaccine hard to book? Supply and booking rules vary. Ask which suitable products are currently available.

See our China health-insurance guide for public-health and self-pay information.

This article provides general vaccination and care-planning information. It is not individual vaccination, medical, or legal advice. Qualified clinicians and vaccination clinics decide eligibility, product, timing, and management.