Hepatitis A shot??
 

I was going to get my Hepatitis A shot before traveling to England and France until I found out the cost! Ouch! Almost 90.00 for 2 shots - I may not get it! Should I??

I have had the shot and it was not that expensive. I got it to go to So. Africa. I wouldn't think it necessary for England and France. However, if you want to take the shot it requires 2 spaced a couple months apart and then it's good for life. I got mine through the local health department that does international innoculations.

I've never heard of anybody recommending Hepatitis A vaccinations for travel to western Europe. Where, if I might ask, did you receive advice to do so?<BR><BR>Don't bother, by the way.

Unless you have some unusual risk you aren't saying, there is no higher risk of Hep A in Western Europe than the US or Canada, wherever you are. So I see no reason to get it unless a physician has recommended it for some reason specific to you (which I can't imagine but maybe there's some reason) or you're going somewhere else afterwards.

Think of it as a traveler's insurance. Any shot is cheaper then a later hospital stay. And there are Hepatitis B shots too. No Hepatitis C yet my nurse told me.

Why don't you just stay home.

One Hepatitis A shot will protect you for your upcoming trip as long as you take it 2 - 4 weeks before you go. The recommended 2nd Hepatitis A is given 6 - 12 months after the first but isn't necessary to have protection in the short term. The 2nd shot affords more permanent protection. <BR><BR>Your chance of contracting Hepatitis A in England or France is no greater than your chance of contracting it here in the US. You don't need Hepatitis A to travel to these areas.<BR><BR>If you want to take it for general protection against Hepatitis A then that's fine. If you are taking the vaccination for general protection and not just for travel I would advise you take the new combination vaccine, Twinrix, which protects against Hepatitis A & B. ( Assuming you haven't been vaccinated against Hepatitis B yet ) This vaccine is given on the same schedule as Hepatitis B, which is 0, 1 month and 6 months. That is, 3 shots over 6 months. The problem with this is that if you need quick Hepatitis A protection you may not get it with Twinrix, although by the time you complete the series you will be nicely protected. <BR><BR>For quick Hepatitis A protection take the single Hep A shot and you will be protected within the 2 - 4 weeks mentioned above.<BR><BR>

You do not need this shot for where you are travelling and taking it may not be the wisest thing to do. This is what my doctor told me.

I just asked the health department about any shots and they are the ones that said "it wouldn't hurt to get the shot" because of some foods and water, etc. My Doctor also said "it wouldn't hurt". No, I don't have any special problems at all. This cost IS at the Health Department; but I may not take it after all. I don't mind paying that much IF it is really needed; but if it's not - why do it? Thanks for the input and advise. (and Message reply to: Paul - "why don't you "kiss my butt"?)

one can run into hep A in any country as it is a food borne disease. it is passed on by fecally contaminated food-clams shellfish etc or a person with sloppy personal hygiene that handles food. it occurs world wide and since the 2 shots are highly protective it only makes sense to get it to prevent what can be a real nasty disease

Then we should all run right out and get our shots.<BR>THis is ridiculous.Of course someone will say it can't hurt,especially if that someone gets paid for it.<BR>England and France are just as safe as the US, unless your immune system is comprimised,and then this should not have even been brought up.

I took a Hepatitis A when I went to THAILAND for three weeks hiking in the northern jungles. Didn´t take B, because didn´t plan to be sexually active there.<BR><BR>Heavens, it has never occured to me that somebody would even consider it travelling to FRANCE and ENGLAND. Puh.

I don't think it DOES occur to anyone to take a Hepatitis shot to go to Europe! You don't NEED ONE!!<BR>Gawd,some people are sooooo stupid!<BR><BR>Betty,don't forget the malaria meds too.

I've read that the US gov is going to start (or already has) recommending all children be vaccinated against Hep A & B. While you don't need this to travel to Europe, in general it's not a bad idea.

They are giving young school children in Florida Hepatitus shots before they start school.<BR>Unfortunately,this is due partly to the vast amount of island immigrants that flood into Florida,bringing all sorts of disease with them.

Yes Floridian,<BR><BR>We too have all sorts of immigrants from North America flooding into Europe each summer, bringing all sorts of diseases with them, usually (confirmed by your post) foot in mouth disease.

No,I think that is Hoof & Mouth disease which you as any European should know all about.Something which we don't have so far.In addition to mad cows.Although we have our fair share of Mad Englishmen here too.

You know, some people are so mean and hateful! I have never been overseas; and therefore didn't know if I was SUPPOSE to take any shots, etc. So I called the health department because I didn't want to get at the gate to leave and find out then I didn't have something I needed. If you can't understand that, too bad! Anyway, I was told I didn't HAVE to have this shot, but it was recommended that I go ahead and get it. So I just asked everyone's opinion; but so many people have to be jerks. That is so sad.....Isn't this what this web-site is all about??? Anyway, thanks to everyone that answered like a normal human being- the rest of you must have a SAD life. I feel very sorry for you!

One more thing - ever notice that people that act like JERKS don't sign their real name! Ha Ha. Wonder why?? Don't you know YOU look like the fool - not me?? OK, I am through sounding off now!

You guys may laugh all you want (or get angry) but I know a person who got Hepatitis (I did not ask which one) in Las Vegas. Yes, in Vegas. He lives there and does not travel.