Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BCG vaccination vary considerably around the world. Discuss with your doctor if you feel
you may be at risk. It is strongly recommended for children under five who are spending
more than three months in a high-risk area.
Typhoid
This is an important vaccination to have for Tibet, where hygiene standards are
low. It is available either as an injection or oral capsules. A combined hepatitis A-typhoid
vaccine was launched recently.
Yellow Fever
This disease is not endemic in China or Tibet and a vaccine (proven by an
International Health Certificate) is only required if you are coming from an infected area
(parts of South America and Africa).
Medical Checklist
Following is a list of items you should consider including in your medical kit for travelling.
Antibiotics - useful for everyone travelling to Tibet to avoid risks of receiving poorly
stored local medications; see your doctor (antibiotics must be prescribed) and carry the
prescription with you. Good to have two types: one for lung infections, and one for gener-
al skin and other infections.
Antifungal cream or powder - for fungal skin infections and thrush
Antihistamine - for allergies (eg hay fever), to ease the itch from insect bites or stings,
and to prevent motion sickness
Antiseptic (such as povidone-iodine) - for cuts and grazes
Bandages, Band-Aids (plasters) and other wound dressings
Calamine lotion, sting-relief spray or aloe vera - to ease irritation from sunburn and in-
sect bites or stings
Cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant
Homeopathic medicines - including gentiana for altitude sickness, echinacea for warding
off infections, and tea-tree oil for cuts and scrapes
Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops
Loperamide or diphenoxylate - 'blockers' for diarrhoea
Multivitamins - for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate
Paracetamol (acetaminophen in the USA) - for pain or fever
Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide - for nausea and vomiting
Rehydration mixture - to prevent dehydration (eg during bouts of diarrhoea); particularly
important when travelling with children
