Begin vaccinations now for summer Olympics

HOUSTON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- For those planning to go see the 2008 Summer Olympic games in China this summer, a U.S. nurse advises to start vaccinations now.

"There are no required immunizations to enter China, but there are many that are recommended," Debra Amos, a travel nurse with The Methodist Hospital Wellness Services in Houston says in a statement.

All travelers should be wary of hepatitis A, a liver disease that can last up to nine months. Good hand hygiene, Amos says, is a good way to avoid spreading this disease, but vaccination is the best defense. Amos advises getting the Twinrix vaccination, which covers hepatitis A and B, in a series of three shots over six months. Hepatitis B vaccination is important for those with a high potential for seeking medical care.

Amos also advises getting up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as tetanus/diphtheria, measles, pneumococcal, polio and varicella.

Other vaccinations Amos recommends include:

-- Typhoid for people with adventurous dietary habits and who plan to travel outside of tourist areas.

-- Rabies, for people with young children who plan to stay for an extended period of time.

-- Japanese and tick-borne encephalitis for people who will be hiking, camping or doing outdoor activities.