MarleysGh0st wrote:tanstaafl2 wrote:Probably not the only one. A combined vaccine series for Hepatitis A and B.
Thanks for educating us.
So is this something that's only necessary when planning international travel or should it be on all our vaccination schedules?
Most anyone traveling outside the "Western World" should consider vaccination for Hepatitis A. Cruise ships are great places to get all manner of lovely viruses in and of themselves. Lots of people from countries where health practices might not be entirely up to Western standards handling your food for example...
I expect that is why Saucy is getting the needle. The Twinrix simply provides the added benefit of Hep B protection. Hep B can also be indictated for international travelers but usually more for long stays in higher risk areas.
Or if you are planning to get frisky with the natives...
But in this day and age Hep B isn't a bad idea for most anyone who doesn't have a contraindication.
Recommendations for vaccination:
Hepatitis A
•All persons wishing to obtain immunity to hepatitis A virus infection.
•Persons who travel or work anywhere EXCEPT the U.S., Western Europe, NewZealand, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
•Persons with chronic liver disease, including persons with hepatitis B and C;injecting and non-injecting drug users; men who have sex with men; people with clotting-factor disorders; persons who work with hepatitis A virus in experimental lab settings (not routine medical laboratories); and food handlers when health authorities or private employers determine vaccination to be appropriate. Note: Prevaccination testing is likely to be cost effective for persons older than age 40yrs, as well as for younger persons in certain groups with a high prevalence of hepatitis A virus infection
Hepatitis B
•All persons through age 18yrs.
•All adults wishing to obtain immunity against hepatitis B virus infection.
•High-risk persons, including household contacts and sex partners of HBsAg-posi-tive persons; injecting drug users; sexually active persons not in a long-term,mutually monogamous relationship; men who have sex with men; persons withHIV or a recently diagnosed STD; patients receiving hemodialysis and patients with renal disease that may result in dialysis; healthcare personnel and public safety workers who are exposed to blood; clients and staff of institutions for the developmentally disabled; inmates of long-term correctional facilities; and certain international travelers.
•Persons with chronic liver disease. Note: Provide serologic screening for immigrants from endemic areas. If patient is chronically infected, assure appropriate disease management. Screen sex partners and household members; give Hep B at the same visit if not already vaccinated.