Hepatitis vaccine in New York
Hepatitis A vaccine
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by hepatitis A virus. It is spread through person-to-person contact and through contaminated food or drink.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
The symptoms are a sudden fever, discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea and dark urine. While the illness is usually mild, it can be severe. Symptoms usually last for about 2 weeks, but complete recovery takes 8 weeks.
Where is it common?
Hepatitis A is common in Indian subcontinent, the Far East, and Eastern Europe.
Who should get Hepatitis A vaccine?
- Anyone who is travelling to areas of high risk (Indian subcontinent, the Far East, and Eastern Europe) particularly if sanitation and food hygiene is likely to be poor.
- People with chronic liver disease, as they are especially at risk.
- Immunization is not considered necessary for individuals travelling to Northern or Western Europe (including Spain, Portugal, and Italy), or North America, Australia, or New Zealand.
How long prior to traveling should the vaccine be administered?
- Hepatitis A single vaccine (shot) should be given at least 2 weeks before travelling (Ninety percent immunity occurs in 2 weeks.) but can be given up to the day of departure.
- Antibodies may not be detectable for 12-15 days post vaccination; however the vaccine may provide some protection before antibodies can be detected.
- Full vaccination consist of 2 doses (injections) 6 months apart
What should be expected post vaccination?
Adverse reactions to hepatitis A immunization are usually mild and confined to the first few days after immunization. The most common reactions are mild, transient soreness, and redness at the injection site; this usually disappears and is of no consequence.
Who should not get vaccinated for Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A vaccine cannot be given if the person:- Has a current severe febrile illness (high fever).
- Has had a severe allergic reaction(lip swelling, tongue swelling, shortness of breath, etc) to a previous dose of hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B causes a very serious liver infection that can lead to permanent liver damage, liver cancer and death
Where is it common?
Hepatitis B is common in South-East Asia, the Middle and Far East, Southern Europe and Africa.
Who needs to be vaccinated for hepatitis B?
- Travelers to areas of widespread presence of the disease who place themselves at risk when abroad. Behaviors that place them at risk include unsafe sexual activity, injecting drug use, or participating in contact sports.
- Travelers who plan to stay in areas of high prevalence for long time.
- Individuals who are travelling to visit friends or relatives with chronic hepatitis B infection.
- Families adopting children from countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis B.
Who should not get vaccinated for Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B vaccine should not be given if the person:- Has a current severe febrile (high fever) illness.
- Has had a confirmed severe reaction to a previous dose of hepatitis B vaccine.
How long prior to traveling should the Hepatitis B vaccine be administered?
There are several vaccination schedules recommended for Hepatitis B.- The 3-dose vaccination series is recommended at 0, 1 and 6 months with lifelong immunity
- If your departure will not allow the routine 6-month vaccination schedule, an accelerated schedule can be used to provide sufficient protection: 0, 7 and 21 days with the fourth dose at 12 month after the first
What should be expected post vaccination?
The most common adverse reactions are transient soreness and redness at the injection site. Serious adverse effects are very rare.
Where can traveler get Hepatitis A & B vaccines in New York City?
Hepatitis A and B vaccines can be safely and promptly administered in our travel clinic in the heart of New York City in Midtown Manhattan.
Please contact us today at (212) 696 5900 to ensure your travel safety.
For more information please go to: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/