• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • Serviced apartments and places to stay in HK
        • outdoor activities18 outdoor adventures in Hong Kong
        • Townplace Soho - barProperty Watch: An urban oasis in Soho
        • School news - new schools in Hong Kong, new curriculums, new facilities and more!What’s new on the school scene?
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • What to watch this month
        • Woman’s Hour PodcastGreat podcasts we are listening to!
        • outdoor activities18 outdoor adventures in Hong Kong
        • Mount Davis - viewHiking Ideas: A Mount Davis Meander
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • School news - new schools in Hong Kong, new curriculums, new facilities and more!What’s new on the school scene?
        • Pregnancy scan image for web article on how to choose an obstetrician in Hong KongHow to choose an obstetrician
        • Baby spit upReflux in newborns: tips and treatment
        • public pools in Hong KongBest public pools for families
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Décor
      • Readers Homes
        • Home news: décor, furniture & more!
        • Townplace Soho - barProperty Watch: An urban oasis in Soho
        • Top furniture finds for your home office
        • Beautiful ginger jar lamps for your home
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Mount Davis - viewHiking Ideas: A Mount Davis Meander
        • Gorgeous waterfalls around the world
        • Travel news: Places to stay and play
        • MongoliaWomen on a Mission take on Mongolia
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Vegetarian recipe: Vietnamese rice roll with quorn mince and bolognese sauce5 meat-free meal ideas to try
        • Indian-Restarants-New-Punjab-ClubTop Indian restaurants to try
        • Fagara Aperitivo - Hong Kong restaurantsNew nibbles: where to dine this month
        • Tasty Dessert Recipe: Bread Pudding
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • laser treatments hong kongHow to get super smooth skin
        • Tried & Tested: Body lotions we love
        • online shopping websites21 fashion websites shipping to HK
        • Mazu ResortwearFashion news: the latest launches
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Gyms in Hong Kong - best places for keeping fit8 great places to go to keep in shape
        • Pregnancy scan image for web article on how to choose an obstetrician in Hong KongHow to choose an obstetrician
        • menopause - symptoms and how to get helpManaging menopause: how to get help
        • heartAre you at risk of heart disease?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • Mar-May 2021
        • Mar-May 2021 – $36 (Usual Price $48)
        • December – February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 – $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
      • View all
    Close
Home » Kids » Health & Wellness » Kids’ Vaccinations: The ins and outs of travel jabs

Kids’ Vaccinations: The ins and outs of travel jabs

11 January, 2017 by Expat Living 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/kids-vaccinations-the-ins-and-outs-of-travel-jabs/

Its stressful enough trying to remember everything to pack for you and the kids, but what about travel injections? Have you remembered those? We ask the professionals how to take the stress out of vaccinations, and ensure you have the right shots to stay healthy abroad.

 

 

Kids' vaccinations
Kids’ vaccinations

 

It’s ironic that, when parents are at their most sleep-deprived and therefore memory-deficient, we are given the task of making sure our children are vaccinated on time and to schedule. Throw into that mix a move to a different country or two and it’s no wonder that some of us struggle to keep up with which child has had which vaccination and when they are due the next one. Relying on the support and advice of a leading healthcare practitioner can be a blessing when faced with the daunting prospect of vaccinations.
 

Preparing your child

Babies under a year old tend to be blissfully unaware of what they face when visiting the doctor’s surgery for their immunisations. But for children aged around 15 months and older, there are some ways to sooth their potential distress. Dr Natalie Epton from the International Paediatric Clinic (IPC) says talking to a child under two years old prior to vaccination is unlikely to help; rather, be prepared with their favourite comforter and perhaps a treat or snack for afterwards.

“After around two years old, and depending on your child’s temperament, it may help to briefly discuss why we vaccinate, and what he or she should expect,” says Dr Epton. “We always told our boys that they needed their jabs to stay healthy, and that Captain America got his super strength with an injection!”

How to make your children’s injections as stress-free as possible

Stay calm: Your child will feed off your behaviour, so if you’re a bag of nerves then your child will be too.

Distract: Squeeze their hand, sing a song, talk about what you’re going to do after your visit to the surgery.

Reward: The level of reward is, of course, up to you, but the promise of a fun visit to the park or favourite play area, a lollipop or sticker may be all that’s needed.

kids-vaccinations_1
Don’t punish: Never use having a jab as a punishment, for example, “Sit still in the doctor’s surgery or they’ll give you an injection”. This will colour their future view of any vaccinations and make everything a lot harder!

Control: Let an older child decide which arm to have the shot in and whether they want it on the count of three or five.

Keeping track

It’s easy to lose track of which jabs our children may need, so a clinic’s own record, and your child’s personal health record, are there to help you keep organised. “Singapore also maintains a database of all vaccinations given to citizens and residents, which it uses to ensure that children have completed their compulsory vaccinations prior to school entrance. Parents can request that a copy be downloaded on their behalf,” points out Dr Epton.

And there’s no need to panic if your child misses a vaccination (not right away at least). “You are encouraged to try to keep to the schedule as much as possible, but often childhood illnesses, travel, and parental amnesia intervene. If you realise your child has missed one or more vaccinations, arrange to see your doctor to work out a suitable catch-up schedule. For routine childhood vaccinations, you will not have to repeat previous doses; some travel vaccinations are more time-sensitive, though.”

Travel jabs

kids-vaccinations_2

Travel to exotic and far-flung places can be part and parcel of expat life. Whether for work or pleasure, the fact remains that you should research the recommended vaccinations for your destination and allow plenty of time before your departure to actually get them done.

“Travel medicine deals with the prevention and management of health problems of international travellers, and the use of vaccines to prevent some of these health problems is an important aspect,” says Dr Tan, a Medicial Director based in our sister country Singapore,. “Most people get vaccinated against flu, hepatitis A and typhoid, and vaccination is recommended one to two weeks prior to departure to allow for any side effects to resolve before the travel date.”

And for those diseases we can’t vaccinate against, such as malaria and dengue, there are other precautions we should take. “Anti-malaria tablets are available for prevention but will only protect for the duration that the medication is taken. Other preventive measures, which also apply to dengue, include the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and long pants, and using mosquito nets while sleeping in non air-conditioned places.”

Epidemic proportions

The hot topic of whether to vaccinate or not rolls on, but within the medical profession there is little argument. Dr Tan cites a classic example of the fallout when parents choose not to vaccinate their children: “If a vaccine is mandatory, there should not be any objections. As an example, the current outbreak of measles in the UK is likely due to the refusal of some parents to let their child or children have the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine because of unsubstantiated claims that it causes autism.” Dr Tan also emphasises that, although one should respect the individual’s wish when a vaccine is not mandatory, the doctor should take every opportunity to change the individual’s mind.

There is also currently a worldwide whooping cough (pertussis) epidemic, the worst in the last 70 years. IPC’s Dr Epton emphasises that small babies, and in particular those who have not yet received their vaccinations, are most vulnerable. “Parents and caregivers (including visiting grandparents) can increase their baby’s protection, especially if travelling to regions with recent outbreaks, such as certain parts of the US and Australia, by the practice of ‘cocooning’: adults and children in close proximity to the newborn ensure their pertussis vaccinations are up to date, and receive a booster if necessary.”

For more advice on travel and inspiration for your next trip head over to our Travel page.

Categories: Health & Wellness Kids Living In Hong Kong Mums & Babies

You May Also Like

Townplace Soho - bar

Property Watch: An urban oasis in Soho

Charity Focus: Hike for Freedom

International relocation - costs

The changing costs of relocation

Primary Sidebar

Expat Living Hong Kong 🇭🇰

expatlivinghk

Open
There's so much to love in Jen and Jeff's Happy Valley flat, for the full story head over to our website, link in bio. @moftstudio 

#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hkig #hkiger #hkinteriordesign #hkinterior #balivibe
Open
Ever wondered what it is like to live in Tai Hang? EL reader Neelam Daswani @neelampurehealth gives us the lowdown. For the full story and Neelam's recommendations see our MARCH-MAY issue.

#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hkiger
Open
❤️HK❤️

#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hkig #hkiger #view
Open
* Friday GIVEAWAY *

We have teamed up @gingerjarlampco to give one lucky winner a stunning Ginger Jar Lamp worth $4,000!  Here's how to have a chance of winning:

1. Like this post
2. Follow @gingerjarlampco on Instagram
3. Enter your details via the competitions section of our website - link in our bio.

Good Luck! 🤞🏻

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger #fridaygiveaway
Open
Jo Lodder and Catherine Cormack recently set out to raise much needed funds for @stop.hk and @tails.lantau by tackling Hong Kong’s famous hiking trails over four days in March.  To find out how they got on, head over to our website to read all about it, link in bio.

#hongkong #hkig #discoverhongkong #hkig #hikeforfreedom #hkhiking #hkhiker #adoptdontshop #stophumantrafficking
Open
📸 @ colsimphotography

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger
#photography #photooftheday #streetphotography #streetsigns #hkstreet
Open
A chocolate overload and cute little bunnies – what’s not to like about Easter celebrations? We’ve rounded up some things to do in Hong Kong for a cracking good time over the break - check out the full article on our website - link in bio.

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger #easter #eastereggs #easterbunny
Open
Whether you're a newbie or have been here a while, our guide is sure to help you make the most of living here.  Read it for free on any device 👉 expatliving.hk/cg/ig
Open
Beaches and swimming pools are progressively re-opening 🏊‍♀️🏝👏👏

#hk #hkig #hkiger #hkbeach #hkpools
Open
*Friday Giveaway*  Win one of 50 Early Access Passes to the Affordable Online Art Fair 2021. Like this post & enter your details via the competitions section of our website - link in our bio

Good Luck! 🤞🏻

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger #art #affordableart #affordableartfair #giveaway
Open
Jo Lodder and Catherine Cormack are currently on a Hike for Freedom, tackling four trails – the Maclehose, Hong Kong, Wilson and Lantau – to raise money for two organisations doing incredibly important work. @stophk - a charity that strives to put and end to human trafficking in Hong Kong and @ tails.lantau - an animal rescue organisation based on Lantau. The Hike will cover 300km and 18,600m in elevation over just four days! 

Read the full article on our homepage - link in bio - including how you can donate and follow their progress.

#hikeforfreedom #hkhiking #adoptdontshop #hongkong #hkig
Open
In our new spring issue we take a look at Jenny Perry's  impressive village house renovation in Sai Kung 🏡 there's so much to love! Check out the article for all her tips and local recommendations 👉 link in bio
Open
Read our latest Spring issue on any device for free 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/FB/

In this issue, we’ve got some of the best finds to make your home office functional and looking good. We also check out two beautifully renovated homes, get an insider’s guide to Tai Hang and discover home-decorating trends and the latest properties on the market.

There's loads more, including great Mexican food, easy recipes from our team, beauty tips and facials to try, and a look at Hong Kong’s country parks and hiking trails.

👨‍🎓 Plus, an eight-pager School Special! Everything from getting your kids IB-ready and enrichment options to great advice on battling bullies and trolls.
Open
* Friday GIVEAWAY *

We have teamed up with Assaggio to give one lucky winner a fabulous 35oz Fiorentina T-Bone Steak & Seafood Set Dinner for Four, worth $2,488!  

Featuring the 35oz Fiorentina T-Bone Steak served on a red hot sizzling iron plate with rosemary, the set dinner comes with Seafood Platter (Oyster Fine de Clair, Alaska King Crab Leg, Black Mediterranean Mussel, Veraci Clam), Kobocha Pumpkin and Tomino Cheese Soup, and Italian Black Truffle Tagliolini. 
Finally, wrap up the meal with the signature dessert trio: Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Wild Berry Sorbet.

Sound good?

Here's how to have a chance of winning:

1. Like this post
2. Follow @miradining on Facebook
3. Enter your details via the competitions section of our website - link in our bio 

Good Luck! 🤞🏻
Open
📷 @colsimphoto we love his new collection #hongkonginmotion
Open
We are looking for readers to tell us about their area and why they love it.

We will send you some questions to answer and feature you in the Street Talk section of our print magazine and will also publish it online.

Drop us a PM with some info of where you live and we will get our team to be in touch 😊
Open
One of the many ways to enjoy HK’s waters! Head to our website for a comprehensive guide, link in bio. 📷 @ wanchaibelle
Open
Love a tasty taco, a classic plate of nachos or a frosty margarita? 

We recently road tested 3 Mexican restaurants – read the full reviews in our March magazine ✨📖 or online – link in bio.
@taqueriasupermacho 
@elmachohk
@tqmhk
Open
HK resident and award-winning artist Martin Lever recently spent 14 days in quarantine. Inspired by the mountain view, he created a stunning series of artwork, The Room 202 Project. 

What's more, Martin has teamed up with ImpactHK and is selling limited-edition digital prints – 50% of sales will  support HK's homeless.

For the full story, head to our website – link in bio.
Open
Happy International Women’s Day ❤️
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.