Oh Right, the Other Virus: Getting a Flu Vaccine in Beijing

Beware, Beijingers, the winter flu is officially here, and just because COVID is no longer a worry in Beijing doesn't mean you're safe from this totally separate virus. Now could be your opportunity to get a flu shot and protect yourself this season before you fall victim to the dreaded lurgy. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you attempt to side-step this flu season.

Flu season in Beijing begins in October and generally ends around March. Given the city's population density, widespread flu outbreaks are common during this period and if you work in close proximity in an office or with children, it's likely that you will be subject to flu germs in the coming months. Whether you actually exhibit the symptoms of being sick will depend on a number of factors, including whether you decide to combat the illness with a flu shot.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) recommends that otherwise healthy adults should try to get a flu shot around the end of October, which in theory will give the best coverage for the months ahead. Additionally, they recommend that children six months through eight years should receive two doses: one as possible as the vaccine becomes available to allow the second dose, which must be administered at least four weeks later, to be received by the end of October.

Major cities throughout China have had shortages in the last few years, with flu shots running out in early September 2017. Despite this shortage, supply also fell short in 2018 with only 14.4 million doses of flu vaccine made available, only 56 percent of 2017 supply levels. Your takeaway: if you want a flu shot, make an appointment early to guarantee access.

While the World Health Organization has recommended that flu shots be provided free of charge in China, they are only free to "vulnerable groups" in large cities. For the elderly and school children in Beijing and Shanghai, local governments provide free flu shots at most public hospitals. Everyone else can expect to pay between RMB 150-300 for a flu shot. If you do qualify for a free flu shot, immunization starts in late September.

If you are looking for English-language medical services, the following hospitals and clinics offer flu shots:

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