Hi,

Karen and I are both nurses as well.  I used to manage a travel clinic.  I don't believe any particular vaccines are needed.  That being said,however, all residents of the US should be vaccinated against Hepatitis A.  Children are now required in Az day cares to have Hep A vaccines.  The reason is because Hep A in children is usually no big deal, a little diarrhea, most parents don't even know the kids have it.  The problem comes in when they transmit it to adults who can become very ill.  I think the latest statistics are about 1-2% of adults who contract the illness die and the illness can be very long and protracted in others.  There has been an increase of Hep A outbreaks in this country because restaurant workers have been known to spread it due to poor handwashing.  As stated the best prevention is handwashing but that won't help contaminated food.  There is a series of 2 vaccines and you are protected from the day of the first vaccine.  Most insurance companies cover the vaccine because it is the standard of care.

I strongly recommend Hepatitis A vaccine and as the previous writer said, Hep B is for those who are staying in the country 6 months or more or have sex or blood exposure with someone who is Hep B positive (they don't need to be sick, only a carrier).

Hello:

We have been vaccinated with the HEP B vaccine, because we are both nurses. It is a series. You get one shot, then another 2-3 months later (i think), then the last one is 6 months after the first one for a total of 3.  Just wash you hands and don't have sex with a foreigner. Otherwise, you'll be fine. Hep A is transmitted through contaiminated food and HEP C usually through IV needles or sex.

Talk to your doctor, you'll probably be fine.

Amber

Are any of you folks thinking of getting vacinated. There has been a lot af air time devoted to countries that have hepatitis. The Turks are listed as an "at risk" country. We looked into vacinations & they are $180 each. I am just curious as to what others are doing??