Aa
Should I take the Hep A&B Vaccine
Hope this is not too dumb of a question but here goes. My doctor recommended that I get the Hep A&B Vaccines (combo). As indicated in the literature the vaccine is recommended for persons in health care, laboratory who handle blood, etc. etc. multiple sex partners (well that won't be me - that was many moons ago lol) injection drug users and persons traveling (not thinking of doing that either).
If I do not fall under the high risk categories - would it be pertinent for me to take the vaccine? I actually took the first shot (had a reaction to it believe it or now - had to take pain med - rest, etc but just fine now) - I'm suppose to take another shot end of month and the third shot before August - something like that. Should I finish them?
Doctor said I cannot go into any trail until I finish the series of the vaccines which is fine with me given since I was recently diagnosed (stage 2/3 - oh I just learned they couldn't tell my subtype a or b not that I know what is the difference). This gives me time to learn and research as you all recommend in the forum. You all are such caring people and know so darn much and love when you all get into it and are funny. nygirl - I wish I could have seen those post that were deleted. I was - aw chucks I missed it. lol.
Appreciate the advice - I hope one day to pass it forward - when I get as smart as you all. (Working on it - I am now an advent reader of the forum) hee, hee.....
Millie
nyc
If I do not fall under the high risk categories - would it be pertinent for me to take the vaccine? I actually took the first shot (had a reaction to it believe it or now - had to take pain med - rest, etc but just fine now) - I'm suppose to take another shot end of month and the third shot before August - something like that. Should I finish them?
Doctor said I cannot go into any trail until I finish the series of the vaccines which is fine with me given since I was recently diagnosed (stage 2/3 - oh I just learned they couldn't tell my subtype a or b not that I know what is the difference). This gives me time to learn and research as you all recommend in the forum. You all are such caring people and know so darn much and love when you all get into it and are funny. nygirl - I wish I could have seen those post that were deleted. I was - aw chucks I missed it. lol.
Appreciate the advice - I hope one day to pass it forward - when I get as smart as you all. (Working on it - I am now an advent reader of the forum) hee, hee.....
Millie
nyc
Hi Millie, the county I live in had a program for free hep a and b vaccines regardless or income or insurance or where you live. They asked for a donation. My gp apparently knew about this and had them send me something. When I had my first appt hepa doc appt, I told her I was getting these and she never heard of the program so I gave her info.
I am mentioning this because some other states and counties have similar. I did a quick google and looks like NYC has a no copay. Maybe you can find an option that's cheaper.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/imm/immclin.shtml
I am mentioning this because some other states and counties have similar. I did a quick google and looks like NYC has a no copay. Maybe you can find an option that's cheaper.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/imm/immclin.shtml
One of my best friends got the shingles just about two years ago she is my age. It was extremely painful for her. My Hep A/B vaccine cost me $137.00 that is my co-pay. So, I will have to pay that two more times - which I will glady do after the above inputs. Probably another reason I want to wait for treatment - until I'm 65 (will be 64 in August) because then I can get medicaid - plus I'm hoping for the orals. I know from all I have read that there is no way I can work and handle tx. Well that's another blog....
The A&B are already a go - Dr. has them scheduled and I will follow through and tomorrow I will work on getting started on all the other you recommended.
Thanks a zillion.
Millie
The A&B are already a go - Dr. has them scheduled and I will follow through and tomorrow I will work on getting started on all the other you recommended.
Thanks a zillion.
Millie
Here is a PDF file from the CDC with the recommended immunizations listed:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4030.pdf
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4030.pdf
Fox - that is such a scary prospect - the C alone has put me into a different world - I never imagine existed. I am crystal clear now and will follow through....I'm getting all the shots!
Eureka - thanks for that - I let too many years go by without knowing or doing anything about my hep C.
Millie
Eureka - thanks for that - I let too many years go by without knowing or doing anything about my hep C.
Millie
If you happen to get A or B you will go into liver failure since you have C...get the vaccines
Ok pooh - that's all I needed to hear. And now that you mentioned it - I'm going to ask about the other vaccines you got. Sorry I actually trust you guys more than the doctors. I know, I know you all are NOT doctors but I swear I still think you know more than them... :-)
Thank you - will follow through on all my shots then some.
Millie
Thank you - will follow through on all my shots then some.
Millie
Yes, it is recommended that you (anyone with Hep C) get Hep A and Hep B vaccines. You cannot afford (healthwise) to get either Hep A or Hep B (the actual infections) on top of your Hep C. That could be disastrous for your liver and you. You could even pick up Hep A in a restaurant, not common, but it does happen.
I got a Hep B vaccine years and years ago but I did not get my Hep A vaccine until this past year. I also got a pneumonia vaccine, a shingles vaccine, and a renewed tetanus-diptheria vaccine. Plus, the flu vaccine.
Sorry you got so sick from it, but in the long run it is wise to get them.
I got a Hep B vaccine years and years ago but I did not get my Hep A vaccine until this past year. I also got a pneumonia vaccine, a shingles vaccine, and a renewed tetanus-diptheria vaccine. Plus, the flu vaccine.
Sorry you got so sick from it, but in the long run it is wise to get them.
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My doctor was not sure I needed the shilgles vaccine but I had done some research and I knew it was recommended. Plus I had a case of shingles in 1994 and I don't ever want to have another case. We are more prone to getting shingles as we age because they surface when we are compromised or ill with something else. My case was very mild but very painful at the time (totally gone now). However, I had a friend who had shingles and she had permanent nerve pain along the nerve tracts in her back. Shingles pain is no picnic. Anyway, you can be insistent; I was.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that some insurances do not pay for some of these vaccines. You should check with your insurance company so you will know in advance which ones they cover. Mine pays for all vaccines, but I think the shingles vaccine is about $250 or $300 if insurance does not pay.
If you get the vaccines, I suggest getting them before you start treatment, especially the shingles vaccine. If you go to the link below you will see who should have it and who should not. Check the section on who should not get it also.
From CDC:
"The vaccine for shingles (Zostavax®) is recommended for use in people 60 years old and older to prevent shingles. The older a person is, the more severe the effects of shingles typically are, so all adults 60 years old or older should get the shingles vaccine."
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm