Typhoid, Hep A Vaccines or None :-)

[tcbgirl]

We are flying to Thailand on Nov 9th (emergency kind of thing). The ped told us that we need typhoid and hep A shots because of high risk country. I have 3 boys ages 5, 3.5 and 22 months. My 3.5 and 22 months also never gotton MMR shot yet. The ped. scared me to death about measles outbreak in Thailand.

Right now I am so torn on what vax to give them. If we are going to give them, it is going to be 1 vax only; however, we cannot decided which one. I told my husband that if I have to, it will be typhoid (but the little one cannot have it because he is under 2).

Do you have any advice for me on this matter? The ped does not understand why we not giving them all 3 vax

Thank you so much,

Anissa

[Asiago]

Check to see current CDC reccomendations for travel in the specific areas of Thailand you will be in. They do appear to have reccomendations but no requirements at the current time.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.aspx

When my husband and I went to Kenya, we consulted an infectious disease doctor that gave us every vax in the book, despite later learning that none were actually required to travel there. We had Hep A, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Meningococcal vaccinations all in one day, it was insane.

The infectious disease doctor even gave us anti-malarial pills which turned out to be completely foolish as it wasn't even mosquito season. Not one mosquito the entire time we were there, and we traveled many parts of the country, inland and coastal. We coated ourselves in Deet, day and night (I don't even use Deet now). So absolutely foolish. The locals told us it isn't even mosquito season. We were so ignorant, and really should have done our own research.

So much though for taking the CDC reccomendation to consult a specialist, but do check out the reccomendation for the specific area (not just the country itself) you will be traveling to, in order to get an idea if vaccination is reccomended. Learn about the disease(s), the vaccinations risks and benefits, and if you will be near medical care where you family is traveling.
Then make an educated decision, whether or not to vaccinate.

Good luck and learn from our mistake. Do your own research and then make an educated decision with your doctor.

[Mirzam]

FWIW, I have been to Thailand many times and would never consider typhoid or hep A for either my children or myself, MMR wouldn't even cross my mind for a second.

I did get the typhoid vax once to go to Malaysia (silly I know) and it was probably the worst "medical" experience of my life. After I came home from the clinic I collapsed on the floor and couldn't move for the rest of day. I thought I was dying. Never again.

Take the "normal" travel precautions and I am sure you will all be fine.

[Marnica]

I have travelled around the world to many countries where it was recomended to get the tyhiod and hep A vaxes...I didn't, took general common sense precautions and was fine. I had had the MMR as a child, but mealses does not scare me so I would have passed on it if i had never had it.

[marciaward]

world travel - just leave the vaccines behind

nothing is required for travel to Thailand

you are at risk for hep a in the US or Canada

Just be careful what you eat anywhere
Peel fruits and veg
Clean, cook it, peel it or leave it is the motto

Don't eat from food stands in the street

Drink only bottled water - officially bottled not something local that may or may not be bottled in good conditions

http://www.*********/vaccines/typhoid.htm

http://chetday.com/hepatitisa.html
Some Hepatitis A Vaccine and Disease Facts
by Dawn Winkler

Just enjoy your trip
I travel all over the world and don't have fear of any of this

Marcia