Typhoid Inoculation Will Shortly Expire

[OJAS]

Prior to holidaying in LOS before moving out here permanently from the UK, I was inoculated against typhoid (with Typherix), hepatitis A and diphtheria in line with NHS travel advice. However, my typhoid inoculation will shortly expire, and the question arises as to whether I should renew it.

The latest NHS advice for Thailand at http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/thailand.aspx#ImmunisationHeading recommends immunisation against typhoid if good hygiene is impossible in risk areas. Although it is not clear from the NHS website what constitutes a "risk area", I assume that we are talking in general environmental terms about (e.g.) remote jungle areas rather than specific geographical locations (in case this is, however, relevant, I live in a village between Ban Phe and Klaeng in Rayong Province).

Accordingly, until such time as I were to plan a visit to a remote jungle area in LOS, I would be disinclined to continue to be inoculated against typhoid. However, would I then be posing an unacceptable risk to my health?

Incidentally, my hepatitis A and diphtheria inoculations are not due to expire until 2014 and 2021 respectively.

[Daffy D]

I have been living here in LOS for over 15 years now and never had any inoculations I don't even take anti- Malaria pills.

If you realy feel the need take the jabs.

[Sheryl]

Typhoid risk in Thailand is pretty low. It is high in Cambodia, though, should you travel there.

You should however definitely get the human diploid rabies vaccine.

Should also consider Hep b vaccine if you are likely to be sexually active while here unless you are in a monogamous relationship and sure your partner is not a carrier. High prevalance of Hep B here and carriers can be asymptomatic.

[Sophon]

Should also consider Hep b vaccine if you are likely to be sexually active while here unless you are in a monogamous relationship and sure your partner is not a carrier. High prevalance of Hep B here and carriers can be asymptomatic.

Sheryl, I would appreciate if you can answer a question. About nine years ago I received the full series of the combination hep A+B Twinrix vaccine (initial injection, second shot after one month and follow-up about six months later). What's the current thinking on how long the immunity against hep A and B respectively will last?

Thanks in advance.

Sophon

[stat]

Should also consider Hep b vaccine if you are likely to be sexually active while here unless you are in a monogamous relationship and sure your partner is not a carrier. High prevalance of Hep B here and carriers can be asymptomatic.

Sheryl, I would appreciate if you can answer a question. About nine years ago I received the full series of the combination hep A+B Twinrix vaccine (initial injection, second shot after one month and follow-up about six months later). What's the current thinking on how long the immunity against hep A and B respectively will last?

Thanks in advance.

Sophon

Current thinking is 10 years minimum. However highly likely that it last longer. To be on the safe side you could check your "titers" that is your antibodies to Hep a+b that is what hospital workers have to do.

Cost about 25€ in Europe here I do not know. My titers were high (which is good) so I will have at least 20 years protection from my initial shot.

Hope this helps

[unblocktheplanet]

Highly recommend the Red Cross on Henri Dunant for vaccinations. No appt needed. Rabies, Hep A & B, Tetanus, Japanese B enchephalitis and meningitis just make good sense, though I don’t think anyone needs get neurotic about missing the timing of boosters for a year, say. The mosquito-borne diseases are becoming endemic, even in the city. As soon as there are vaccines for dengue and malaria, I’ll be first in line.

[TheFishman1]

The shots you received are good for 20 yrs.the Hep. b plus a booster you received like 5 months after your last injection is good for 5 years..I am planning to travel to Thailand in a month and I am getting Japanese encephalitis,typhim,typhoid vaccine I got 2 injections last week ,I go tomorrow for 2 more injections the the last 2 injections 2 weeks after that.They check and said because I am travelling in the north of Thailand.Thats from the health dept. here. Also got diphtheria-tetanus

Edited March 21, 2011 by TheFishman1

[Sheryl]

Actually the duration of protection for Hep B is not really known. the manufacturer says for at least 4 years i.e. that's as far as they are prepared to guarantee.

A number of studies have been done, all that I've seen were on people immunized as children so may not be applicable to those immunized as adults. About half of people immunized as children are still protected 10-15 years later and half not.

Need to check antibody titers to be sure, since individuals vary.

[Sophon]

Actually the duration of protection for Hep B is not really known. the manufacturer says for at least 4 years i.e. that's as far as they are prepared to guarantee.

A number of studies have been done, all that I've seen were on people immunized as children so may not be applicable to those immunized as adults. About half of people immunized as children are still protected 10-15 years later and half not.

Need to check antibody titers to be sure, since individuals vary.

Thank's to all for their replies. Is it worth checking antibody titers as opposed to just getting new shots?

I have also considered getting the rabies vaccine as I have a lot of contact with the local soi dog population, and while I'm not really worried about getting bit I do get small scratches from time to time from the puppies. Can anyone recommend a good place to go for a rabies vaccination (preferably in eastern Bangkok)?

Thanks again

Sophon