Vaccinations

Recommended but NOT REQUIRED Vaccinations

Hepatitis A - Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling. Hepatitis A is the most common vaccine-preventable infection acquired during travel.
Shots - The hepatitis A series consists of two doses given 6-18 months apart. If you started either series but didn't get all the doses, you should continue where you left off.

Hepatitis B - Especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. In addition, open skin lesions, such as those due to impetigo, scabies, or scratched insect bites, can play a role in HBV transmission if direct exposure to wound exudates from HBV-infected persons occurs. There are many children adopted that have scabies.
Shots - The hepatitis B vaccine series consists of three doses spaced out over approximately 6 months.

Are these shots safe? Do they have any side effects?
Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines have been proven to be safe. Globally, more than one billion hepatitis B vaccine doses have been given. Since 1995, more than seven million doses of hepatitis A vaccine have been given in the U.S. with no reports of serious health problems linked to the vaccine. Side effects might include soreness at the injection site, headache, and fatigue.
Are these shots effective?
Yes. After three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, at least 90% of healthy young adults develop immunity to HBV infection. Immune compromised people might not respond as well to hepatitis B vaccine. They should be tested 1-2 months after the third dose of vaccine to see if they responded.
*Almost 100% of people are protected from HAV infection after getting two doses of hepatitis A vaccine.