Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations In Thailand.

[rockyysdt]

I was hoping someone could help me regarding obtaining Hepatitis A & B vaccinations for a Thai citizen in Thailand.

Hepatitis A & B is very contageous and can be transmitted quite easily through poor sanitation as well as by other means.

Where I come from the process is:

Visit your GP who arranges blood samples for pathology lab tests to confirm possible infection.

GP then writes out a prescription for a combined Hepatitis A & B vaccination.

You shop around at chemists (pharmacies) to get buy vaccination at the best price.

GP then administers first vaccination, and then a repeat does in 6 months time.

This will give between 10 - 20 years protection if not for life.

Hepatitis infection can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer or liver failure if it is not diagnosed and managed.

My friends mother is currently undergoing chemo therapy with liver cancer.

I don't want my friend to suffer the same fate.

What's the best way to go about it in Thailand?

Is it expensive and time consuming?

How does one go about:

1. Getting tested for Hepatitis A & B infection

Edited August 22, 2008 by rockyysdt

[Jingthing]

I recently got a Hep A booster shot. The cost of the vaccine was the same or more than in the west (expensive). I went to a clinic type place catering to farangs. It is highly recommended for everybody, especially the Hep A vaccine. People who engage in the risks for Hep B (same as HIV mostly) should go fot the B vaccine as well.

[Sheryl]

Because of the high percentage of Thais who have already been exposed to hepatitis (usually in childhood or, in the case of hep B, at birth), the recommendation for Thais is to first have a blood test and then to be vaccinated if the blood test shows they have no prior exposure.

Any hospital can do this.

the results of the blood test will be one of the following:

- no prior exposure : these people should be vaccinated

- actively infection: need medical care

-previously exposed and developed antibodies, no chronic disease: these people are already protected through natural immunity

-previously exposed and have chronic form of the disease: these people need close follow up as they are at high risk of liver cancer. They may also transmit the infection to others. Regular follow up will increase the chances of catching liver cancer early should it develop. Sexual contacts should be vaccinated or else condoms should be used.

[h90]

after vaccinations, you need to have checked if it worked.

On my Hep A+B, B did not work. Got B again but not yet checked.

[rockyysdt]

Any hospital can do this.

Very informative Sheryl & others.

Do you just walk in and attend the hospitals day clinic?

How do you go about becoming a patient?

Should I buy the vaccine from my country and make it available to the Thai doctor?

thanks

[taxout]

Fees for these vaccinations at The Thai Red Cross Society are reasonable.

http://www.redcross.or.th/english/service/...cal_travel.php4