Hepatitis A

[Medinla]

I am having my first Hepatitis A vaccine and I wonder whether I can eat out with no fear of getting  Hepatitis A infection in any cafe or restaurant after my first vaccine? Will I get this infection if I don't observe the hygiene rules after being vaccinated against it.

[Medinla]

The vaccine that I got is HAVRIX 1440. I have found on internet the instuctions of this vaccine and it states that the vaccine gives long-term protection without giving the exact period of preotection in years. So what does long-term mean?

[Marcia2202]

I had the vaccine a few years ago and that was what my doctor told me and what I have read about the vaccine on the internet. Maybe they have changed the vaccine, I don't know. If I was you I would check the exact name of the vaccine and look it up on the internet. The makers of the vaccine will be the ones who know exactly. Nurses, as us, are only people and they can also be wrong.

Another thing one can do it to check one's immunity after 20-25 years and see if one still has enough antibodies. The one is sure.

[Medinla]

I have had my first hepatite A vaccine today, the nurse told me that the course of 2 vaccines will give me life-long protection. I told her that internet sources state the validity of this vaccine course as being 20-25 years. She replied that they had had a seminar where they got such an information that this vaccine gives you life-long immunity. You say opposite-20-25 years of protection. Should I believe the nurse or you are right in this case?

Thanks

[Marcia2202]

Welcome to the forum.

Here is some information about the Havrix  Hep A vaccine.
http://www.drugs.com/havrix.html

If you plan to travel, it is suggested the first shot to be done about 2 weeks before traveling, as it takes that long for it to work. The first shot will protect you a bit more than one year. The second shot (booster) should be administered between 6 - 12 months after the first. This will give you 20 to 25 years immunity. (it protects 95%)

The hep B shot is administered in 3 sessions. the second shot 1 month after the first and the 3rd and last 5 months after the second. Equally, you already gain protection shortly after the first shot.

Then there is also the hep A and hep b combination shot, which is administered the same way as the same way as the hep B shot.

I have had my hep A single shots some years ago, as I travel a lot, especially Asia and Africa. I had my hep B shots done recently.

My grown children have all recently received the combo shot and will have their 3rd shot done soon.

Good luck,

marcia

[nygirl7]

I'd just observe the hygiene rules........I mean seriously just out of common courtesy to the rest of the world.......

And by the way you need a set of three A and B shots - once will not innoculate you against anything at all.