Sue asked
I'm going to Vietnam (just around the city area) in a couple months time and there are several vaccines recommended such as hep A and typhoid. My question is, in 2011 I have been vaccinated for hep A and typhoid so would I need to be vaccinated again or are these vaccines lifelong once vaccinated? Thank-you
Answer
Hepatitis A is a 2 shot series, and if you received both doses in 2011, it will provide long-lasting protection and you do not need to be re-vaccinated.
The typhoid vaccine comes in 2 different versions that can be taken either orally or as a shot, and both routes require boosters.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine is a 2 dose series that provides long-lasting protection. You should receive the hepatitis A vaccine doses at least 6 months apart. After you receive both doses of the hepatitis A vaccine series, you will not need a booster, because it provides long-lasting protection. If you only received 1 dose, it is not necessary to redo the entire series. However, you should receive the second dose to receive the full benefit and protection of the vaccine.
Typhoid Vaccine
Routine typhoid vaccination is not recommended in the US, but it is recommended if you are traveling to parts of the world where typhoid is common or if you know you will be in close contact with a typhoid carrier. There are 2 types of typhoid vaccines available:
- Typhim VI is the inactivated typhoid vaccine that is given as 1 dose as a shot. It would be given at least 2 weeks before travel to allow the vaccine time to work, and a booster shot is needed every 2 years for people who remain at risk or travel to areas where typhoid is common.
- Vivotif is the oral typhoid vaccine. It involves taking 4 doses, 1 capsule by mouth every other day for a week, and the last dose should be taken at least 1 week before travel to allow the vaccine to time to work. A booster dose is needed every 5 years.
Summary
- Hepatitis A vaccine is a 2 shot series. It provides long-lasting protection against hepatitis A, and it does not require a booster vaccine.
- There are 2 versions of the typhoid vaccine, shot or oral, and both versions require boosters at 2 or 5 years, respectively.
