Happy Holidays! Holidaying abroad?...... or not....(as the case may be)........please consider your Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations

[L4LSarah]

Hi there!

With the thought of overseas Summer holidays, please bear in mind your immunisations. (You may need full courses, or possibly some booster doses).

Anyone with a compromised liver function must make sure that they are vaccinated against the relevant diseases where appropriate, and even if you have a healthy liver, precautionary vaccinations should be on the agenda.

Please take a look at this website fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx

If you are unsure about which vaccinations to undertake, then please speak to your GP and/or practice nurse, or visit your local travel clinic - travelhealth.co.uk/travelcl...

With regard to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B specifically, it is advisable to arrange these vaccinations well in advance as it can take up to 6 months to complete the standard combined course, which is an initial vaccination, followed by a 2nd one at 1 month, and then the 3rd at 6 months).

There is an accelerated course and a rapid course available for those who need protection more quickly, but both of these courses require a 4th dose at twelve months.

We would recommend a blood test about one month after the 3rd dose in all three courses, to confirm efficacy of the vaccination by checking the titre level.

Some people may be poor responders due to being immunosuppressed or on renal dialysis, and so they may require larger or more frequent doses of vaccine.

If you would like to discuss the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations and schedules with me, then please don’t hesitate in contacting me via HealthUnlocked or at: [e-mail]

You could also complete the form on our website: liver4life.org.uk/contact-u...

On a last note, please remember that even though you may not be travelling abroad, it is important for everyone to consider both the Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations as a general prophylaxis.