Flu Jabs

[jayboy]

I always encouraged my parents in the UK to have their flu jabs before Winter set in.They did through their GP for many years.

 

But now as I approach my 60th birthday here in Thailand I suppose I should also have a flu jab every year. But what jab exactly should I have since I suppose there are several and exactly what strain/s should I be protecting myself from.

 

I'm sure this info is available on the forum but I can't seem to be able to find it.

 

Many thanks.

[Sheryl]

For Thailand, you get what is called the "southern hemisphere" vaccine  and the flu season here starts around May-June so you are already late, but not too late, to get it. At government Helaht Centers and hospitals just say "flu vaccien", it is the only one they will have. At a travel clinic or place that has a lot of foreign clients, specify Southern hemisphere/flu shot of Thailand.

 

If you will be going back to the UK during flu season, then you should get the "northern hemisphere" flu vaccine before departure, travel clinics here  have it.  Very good idea to get it before departure, nto least because of the risk of infection on the plane.

 

Once 65 you should also get the pneumocccal (pneumonia) vaccine, there are 2 types and you need both, at least a year apart.

 

Once over 50 the shingles vaccine is advisable. However the preferred vaccine (Shingrix) is not yet available in Thailand, only a less effective older vaccine, Zostavax. The latter is still better than nothing and does nto preclude subsequent vaccination with Shingrix. Zostavax is a single injection, Shingrix is a series of 2 spaced at least 2 months apart.

[sammieuk1]

Last 4 years I have had the UK jab first year infective same as not having it the next two much better but the last one was a disaster flu of some sorts every month except January for me its 50/50 if it works?  

[jayboy]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

For Thailand, you get what is called the "southern hemisphere" vaccine  and the flu season here starts around May-June so you are already late, but not too late, to get it. At government Helaht Centers and hospitals just say "flu vaccien", it is the only one they will have. At a travel clinic or place that has a lot of foreign clients, specify Southern hemisphere/flu shot of Thailand.

 

If you will be going back to the UK during flu season, then you should get the "northern hemisphere" flu vaccine before departure, travel clinics here  have it.  Very good idea to get it before departure, nto least because of the risk of infection on the plane.

 

Once 65 you should also get the pneumocccal (pneumonia) vaccine, there are 2 types and you need both, at least a year apart.

 

Once over 50 the shingles vaccine is advisable. However the preferred vaccine (Shingrix) is not yet available in Thailand, only a less effective older vaccine, Zostavax. The latter is still better than nothing and does nto preclude subsequent vaccination with Shingrix. Zostavax is a single injection, Shingrix is a series of 2 spaced at least 2 months apart.

Many thanks - very helpful.I note from the Mahidol Travel Centre schedule just one pneumoccal vaccination is mentioned  - (Prevnar®).I guess they will know all about the two types but does it matter if one type is taken before the other?

[Sheryl]

The 2 vaccines are Prevnar 13 and Prevnar 23.

 

13 is usually given first. I am nto sure if the Mahidol Clinic will have 23 or only 13 (13 is also given to children so has wider applictaion)

 

http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_pneumococcal_vaccines.asp

 

Besides the Mahidol Travel Clinic another good source of immunizations at reasonable cost is the Med consult Asia Clinic  https://www.medconsultasia.com/vaccinations

Run by a British GP and carries both Prevnar 13 and 23

 

 

[jayboy]

The 2 vaccines are Prevnar 13 and Prevnar 23.
 
13 is usually given first. I am nto sure if the Mahidol Clinic will have 23 or only 13 (13 is also given to children so has wider applictaion)
 
http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_pneumococcal_vaccines.asp
 
Besides the Mahidol Travel Clinic another good source of immunizations at reasonable cost is the Med consult Asia Clinic  https://www.medconsultasia.com/vaccinations
Run by a British GP and carries both Prevnar 13 and 23
 
 

Thanks again.The Med consult clinic looks to be my best option.I note the British GP there is a Botox specialist, an intriguing if slightly weird sideline.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Sheryl]

I would not say a specialist but she offers it and does good job. Best price on Botox in town


Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[jayboy]

I would not say a specialist but she offers it and does good job. Best price on Botox in town


Sent from my SM-J701F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Noted.I will store that information away for my wife and friends who are braver ( and wrinklier) than I am.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app