I'm wondering how necessary it is to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. I leave for Thailand soon, and could get the first in the series of shots before I go, but it would be expensive since I have no insurance, and would not be effective for two weeks (I'm only going to be in Thailand a month). Any advice, tips?

get your hep A and B shots

I'm wondering how necessary it is to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. I leave for Thailand soon, and could get the first in the series of shots before I go, but it would be expensive since I have no insurance, and would not be effective for two weeks (I'm only going to be in Thailand a month). Any advice, tips?

Mate, are you for real....!

Don't matter if its for one day, do whatever you can to avoid mishap while away but, do all you can before you leave home. Prevention/cure and all that.

Get it done.

Yes, get the Hep A, and if there is any likelihood you'll have sexual contact with locals or take IV drugs, get Hep B too.

And above all else, get rabies (the vaccine, not the disease!!)

These are all very good immnizations to have had, even if you are not coming to Thailand.

Before my first trip to LOS I went to see a doc on another matter and while there asked what shots were required for my trip, his answer, none.

I have been many times since and have never had any sort of shot, maybe I have been lucky or have things changed that much?

There's a big difference between "required vaccinations" and "vaccinations a proactive and intelligent person would get". That hasn't changed.

Most countries governments have websites that give you a list of suggested and optional travel medication suggestions.

You should find the one from your country and check it out.

Good luck.

i think that hep a and b are a standard immunisation reqirement no matter where you live or where you are going.

i had mine in australia long before i even thought i would live in thailand.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/asia/thailand.shtml

If you spend almost all your time in a gated community outside Omaha or Windsor, you probably don't have a lifestyle that exposes you to hepatitis. Do you eat shellfish, have multiple sex partners, travel abroad, take illegal drugs intravenously, etc? Then, you need protection.