Hep A and B immunization

[Reprobate]

How many have had the immunization for Hep a and or b? I have been considering getting the immunizations, I have been in a monogamous relationship for years but that seems to be changing and I have been wondering if I should get these vaccinations.

 

[wraithsa]

Beside the partner thing - if u intend to travel at all its a must

 

[Corny]

if you can afford them - do it.

 

[KaraBulut]

I have been wondering if I should get these vaccinations.

They are recommended for sexually active gay men, so yes.

 

[jockboy01]

yes, you should. I've gotten them both (more for international travel than anything)

 

[3nipples]

I have both Hep A and B vaccinations... I don't remember what they cost, but surely if you can afford to party then you can afford to to this for your continued health.

 

[drhladnjak]

Even in developed countries, it's not unusual for there to be food borne outbreaks of Hep A. You'll wish you got the immunization if you ever pick up Hep A (up to 2 months of intermittent vomiting, stomach trouble and jaundice although people rarely die from it).

I don't know if Island County does, but many county public health departments in the US will subsidize the price of the Hep A/B vaccine for at risk groups such as men who have sex with men. Even if they don't, county health departments tend to have more affordable prices for immunizations. I know King County uses a sliding scale for immunization costs dependent on your insurance (or lack thereof) and income.

 

[bluedragon4]

I had the hep B one since it was offered free through work.I think Hep A is only good for a short time?

 

[jockboy01]

I think Hep A is only good for a short time?

"Although one dose of vaccine provides at least short-term protection, the manufacturers currently recommend two doses to ensure long-term protection. In studies evaluating the duration of protection of two or more doses of hepatitis A vaccine, 99%–100% of vaccinated individuals had levels of antibody indicative of protection five to eight years after vaccination. Kinetic models of antibody decay indicate that the duration of protection is likely to be at least 20 years, and possibly lifelong."

From the WHO... http://www.who.int/vaccines/en/hepatitisa.shtml#hepa

 

[ZeroPoint84]

why not? As has been said, better to be safe than sorry. I believe you can get both in the same vaccination now as well. I got my hep B shots years ago, but only just got my hep A shot in Feb before I went to Thailand. I need to get my booster shot in a few months.

 

[nws2002]

I think Hep A and B are given together in one vaccine now.

When I got them (I think I was 13 or so) you did 3 of Hep B (first one, then 3 months, then 6 months), then 2 of Hep A (first one, then another at 6 months). I'm in the US, but our insurance paid for it at the time.

 

[Cedric]

I'm thinking about getting them, too. Did anyone get sick from the shots? My body doesn't tolerate vaccinations well, and I'd like to plan them so that I can be out of commission afterwards if need be.

 

[bluedragon4]

I'm thinking about getting them, too. Did anyone get sick from the shots? My body doesn't tolerate vaccinations well, and I'd like to plan them so that I can be out of commission afterwards if need be.

I didn't get sick. Side note- My ex had hep B and I got my 1st shot and than we got back together and barebacked. Not my smartest move but we did stay together for 5 years after that. Anyway, I was protected by the 1st shot. Only reason I probably didn't get it. He was yellow and just left the hospital. Than I got the rest of the shots. I feel like I field tested them,lol. But I was fine.