No bother

The immunization team visited the Hongqiao District of Tianjin today. We traveled to the district hospital and two "street level community clinics" in order to observe and evaluate the immunization delivery program (Extended Program for Immunizations, EPI). This program includes 9 vaccines covering 11 diseases (e.g. MMR, BCG, HBV, DPT etc.).

Upon arrival we strolled down the red carpet they had rolled out for us, signed a few autographs, smiled for the Paparazzi, kissed a few babies, shook a few hands and proceeded into an alleyway one might associate with a four year olds graffiti artwork (think panda bears and pink cartoon rats). Just kidding....but seriously. Then we were were greeted by an entourage of medical staff cloaked in white lab coats and smiles of curiosity. They escorted us into rooms full of adorable vehicles of transmission (children) receiving essential immunizations. We made the children laugh...everyone likes foreigners. Then we watched them cry...no one likes shots. Someone should alert Amnesty International, they are giving these kids shots and are NOT giving out the obligatory lollipops. Immunization history is kept using a standardized red booklet which details time, date, dosage, vaccine lot, etc. Detailed records are also kept on Cold Chain maintenance of vaccines. Electronic immunization records that can be accessed by any provider are also kept. Overall we believe the Chinese EPI system is far superior to that of the United States (eg. where is your immunization card?).

After going through the immunization clinic we continued to tour the rest of the hospital, met with various staff, and spent some time observing acupuncture and learning about traditional Chinese medicine. We then watched the pharmacist fill a prescription of 20 herbs, roots and animal bits to treat Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD). Anyone interested in some turtle shell tea? And then we ate.

Not the turtle shell.

-Immunization Team (Team Martin, Team Xei Xei, Team No Bother, Team Unix, Team Corange, stay tuned for future name alterations)

P.S. we also saw a floating baby...