Re: Hep A shots

[millybess]

We have been advised by a doctor to get Hep A shots for our trip to Cuba this time around.
 
 Mike and I have decided to get A & B.  The kids have had B and will get A.
 
 I was just wondering if most of you have had them or, generally, what other members' thoughts are on this.

[Milli]

:)   My husband and I had the TwinRix (Hep A and B) shots last year.  I should have had my Hep B long ago due to my work.  I think getting the vaccine is like Travel Insurance--chances are you won't be using it but darn nice if you need it. It is one less thing to worry about when you travel.

[debmich]

Funny you should ask, Jaxon and I are going for our booster tomorrow afternoon for Hep A!
 We had our first shot last year before going to Cuba and had to have a booster at least six months after the first one, and well tomorrow is the day!
 I now wish I would have also gotten Hep B as I do volunteer every winter as a ski patroller and sometimes do find myself in situations where Hep B could be handy!
 
 Debbie

[flopnfly]

I've never had the shots, although I have considered it from time to time.
 
 Are there any side effects from the shots, and how often do you need to get them?
 
 Good post Millybess!!

[debmich]

It is a lifetime shot, but you need an initial one and then a booster at least six months later!
 
 Debbie

[millybess]

Heather the TwinRix is a combination of A & B.  It's a series of 3 shots and costs about $60 each.
 
 The A is a series of 2 and costs $57 each for an adult and $33 for someone under the age of 18.
 
 As Debmich says, the second shot is given 6 months after the first.  But it is just a booster.  Within a month, you are immunized with the first shot.
 
 The possible side effect is a fever within 3 days of the shot.
 
 The immunization lasts for about 15 years.
 
 Apparently Hep A can be carried in something as simple as an ice cube.
 
 When we first went to Cuba in February 2004, Hep A shots were just recommended, now they are strongly recommended.

[Milli]

:)  Any medication can have side effects and you are wise to be informed.  This product monograph has lots of info and can be found at http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_twinrix.pdf#search='twinrix'  There are 3 shots.  The first two are a month apart and the third is a booster taken 6 months later.  I was reluctant to get any Hep vaccine before due to some severe drug allergies but the only reaction I had was extreme fatigue and headache about 2 hours after my first shot.  No problems at all with the other 2 shots.

[flopnfly]

thanks guys, great advice!!
 
 The kids have had B at school, so they should only need A.  We will need both.
 
 Does anybody know what age they start them at?  I'm thinking of my grandchildren.  They might be coming with us next year.

[Milli]

One thing I forgot to add was that our shots were covered by our health plan from work--that made them even more painless  ;)

[debmich]

Jaxon had to be over a year old.
 In fact the year we went to Cancun, he was 11 3/4 months and he weighed way more than a one year old, they would not give him the shot, so I didn't get it either, but last year we both got it. Henry thinks he is immune to everything, sort of invincible, LOL, he didn't think he needed the shot!
 
 Debbie

[mojitomiss_cuba]

I got the TwinRix before we went too. Kristen only had to get the A as well since they get the B at school (or vice versa, cannot remember which). I'm due to get my last one now. Better book that appointment   :)  
 
 My benefit plan at work covered it too, so that was a huge bonus   :)

[flopnfly]

Wendy, I think you have to have the mother of all benefit plans!!     :D  
 
 I'm not sure if we're covered for it, I'll ask HR.
 
 The kids are 1 and 3, so they should be able to get it.

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Heather I really do have the mother of all benefit plans.
 My dentist receptionist told me my plan is better than her husbands and he's a government employee
 My optometrist didn't believe me when I told him I was covered for glasses/contacts for 450.00 (plus they paid for the exam)
 
 Cannot complain about it that's for sure  :)

[debmich]

Got our shots today, so we are complete!
 
 I don't remember how much the initial shot cost, but today it was $40 each!
 
 Debbie