Vaccination helps prevent infectious disease. This guide is for Chinese residents and international residents in China. Confirm the clinic, vaccine, cost, and documents before attending. Policies, prices, and supply can change.
Free and self-paid vaccines
China divides vaccines into national immunization program vaccines and non-program vaccines. Program vaccines are government-funded. Non-program vaccines are voluntary and self-paid. A non-program vaccine is not a lower-quality vaccine. It is an additional option.
HPV vaccine is now part of the national immunization program. The current national notice covers girls aged 13 who were born after November 10, 2011. It provides two doses of bivalent HPV vaccine. Other groups and products require local confirmation.
Free childhood vaccines
Childhood program vaccines include hepatitis B, BCG, polio, DTaP, DT, and MMR. They also include Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal, hepatitis A, and region-specific vaccines. Timing and doses follow the local immunization schedule. Families should keep the vaccination record. It may be checked for childcare or school entry.
Missed doses usually do not mean starting again. Ask the vaccination clinic about catch-up doses. Delays can increase infection risk.
Self-paid childhood vaccines
Common options include pneumococcal, influenza, EV71, varicella, rotavirus, combination, and Hib vaccines. Choice should reflect the child’s health, family budget, and clinician advice.
- 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: about CNY 600–900 per dose.
- Child influenza vaccine: about CNY 80–150 per dose.
- EV71 vaccine: about CNY 200–400 per dose.
- Varicella vaccine: about CNY 150–350 per dose.
- Five-in-one vaccine: about CNY 600–800 per dose.
- Hib vaccine: about CNY 100–200 per dose.
A five-in-one vaccine can reduce injections from 12 to 4.
Adult vaccines
Adults, older people, pregnant people, and people with chronic conditions may also need protection. Local programs may provide selected COVID-19, hepatitis B, or occupational vaccines.
Self-paid options can include HPV, influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, adult hepatitis B, and rabies vaccines.
- HPV vaccine: about CNY 600–1,000, CNY 800–1,200, or CNY 1,300–2,000 per dose.
- Influenza vaccine: about CNY 80–150 per dose.
- 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine: about CNY 200–300 per dose.
- Adult 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine: about CNY 700–900 per dose.
- Shingles vaccine: about CNY 1,500–2,000 for two doses.
- Adult hepatitis B vaccine: about CNY 50–120 per dose.
- Rabies vaccine: about CNY 60–300 per dose.
Check the current clinic price before booking.
People aged 60 years and older can ask about these vaccines. The same applies to people with chronic illness, health workers, and pregnant people.
Where Chinese residents can be vaccinated
Vaccination follows place-of-residence management. Common sites include community health centers and township clinics. They also include maternity and adult clinics. Some private or international clinics offer adult self-paid vaccines.
Children usually obtain a vaccination record at the local clinic. Bring it to every appointment. Adults usually register at a community center or adult clinic and sign informed consent.
International residents in China
International residents with valid passports and residence documents can ask their local clinic about eligibility. Eligible international children can ask about program vaccines. Adults and children may also choose self-paid vaccines, including HPV, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines.
Bring a passport, valid residence document, and insurance information when available. A guardian should attend when required. Whether a vaccine is free depends on the vaccine, age, residence, and local policy. It does not depend on nationality alone.
Appointment and vaccination steps
- Book through an employer, school, community, designated hospital, or official local platform.
- Register at the clinic with your passport and residence documents.
- Tell the clinician about allergies, illness, medicines, pregnancy, and prior reactions.
- Sign informed consent and any required local documents.
- Receive the vaccine and wait for 30 minutes.
- Keep the paper or electronic vaccination record.
Shanghai Health Cloud, Guangzhou Yuejiantong, and Shenzhen Health Shenzhen are examples of local platforms. Their availability can change. Use local official information.
Before and after vaccination
Rest before vaccination. Avoid alcohol. Do not attend while fasting. Wear clothing that exposes the upper arm. A clinician decides whether pregnancy, breastfeeding, or acute illness means vaccination should be delayed.
Wait for 30 minutes after vaccination. Avoid alcohol and vigorous exercise for 24 hours. Keep the injection site clean and dry. Mild redness, pain, or low fever may settle within one or two days. Seek care and report to the clinic for persistent high fever or serious symptoms.
Common questions
- What if a child misses a dose? Ask the clinic about catch-up vaccination. Restarting is usually unnecessary.
- What if the record is lost? Ask the original or local clinic about replacement records.
- Are non-program vaccines necessary? Discuss the child’s situation, budget, and clinician advice.
- Can international children receive free vaccines? Ask the local clinic about program-vaccine arrangements.
- Will private insurance pay? Confirm this with the insurer. Many ordinary policies exclude vaccines.
- Why is nine-valent HPV hard to book? Supply and appointments differ by city.
How to check local information
Call the 12320 health hotline. You can also ask the local community health center or CDC authority. Local electronic records and booking services vary by city.
This article provides general policy and process information. It is not individualized medical or legal advice. Local CDC authorities and vaccination clinics determine eligibility, supply, fees, appointments, and clinical suitability.