Hep A Vaccine - travel to Jamaica / Caymen Islands ?

Hi,

Is it recommended by CDC or just a good precaution to be immunized for Hep A when traveling from the US to Jamaica/Grand Caymen Islands?  Do you recommend Hep A for this destination for adults/children?

Also, how many parts is Hep A vaccine - is it 1 shot or multi visits as compared to the adult A/B vaccine which is a few return visits I think ?

Thanks.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

The hepatitis A vaccine is a two dose vaccine. Ideally, the two doses are separated by 6 months. I encourage you to discuss with a healthcare provider the pros and cons to administering the vaccine with less than months separating the two doses.

Hepatitis B is three doses (or four doses).

CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis A:

1. Jamaica - Recommended for all travelers
2. Grand Cayman - Recommended for all travelers

In general, and in the cases of Jamaica and Grand Cayman, I concur with CDC's recommendations for Hepatitis A vaccine (adults and children).

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm


~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical or legal advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[Jibs1]

Thank you so much for your informative reply!

I've started the vaccine series, (3 shots + booster next year) and cannot thank you enough for the info you wrote.  As I understand, my Dr mentioned doing it this way I'm approx 90% protected.

J-