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See a doctor before your trip
You’ll need to decide which travel vaccines and medicines are right for you. A travel medicine doctor can help. Plan to see the doctor at least 4-6 weeks before you leave to make sure you’ll have time to get all the vaccines you need. Also, take this opportunity to make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles/mumps/rubella and tetanus. To find a list of these vaccines and when it is recommended that you get them, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.
It is a good idea to talk to your team doctor or the US Olympic Committee Performance Services Division (719-866-4554) about any vaccines or medicines you are considering taking before the Olympic or Paralympic Games.
CDC does not recommend specific travel medicine doctors, but you can use this link to help you find a specialist in your area: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentTravelClinics.aspx.
Pack a health kit
Health products available in China are different from the ones in the United States. They may not be effective for you. Pack your own health supplies to be sure you have what you need, and talk to your team doctor to make sure you comply with doping control regulations. Items to include:
- Any medicines you take every day in their original containers. (Bring more than you think you will need.) Remember: Discuss all your medicines with your team doctor before your trip to China.
- Copies of your prescriptions
- Malaria prevention medicine, if you need it
- Antibiotic for travelers’ diarrhea
- Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and diarrhea medicine
- Alcohol-based hand gel (at least 60% alcohol)
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)
- Insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin (up to 15%)
- Oral rehydration solution packets
- First aid items, such as bandages, gauze, and antiseptic ointment
- Thermometer
Previous: Learn about disease risks in China
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