Travel Vaccines

[jackrussell]

Help / advice needed please. I have had Urticaria Vasculitis, for many years , my son recently retired to South Africa ,and has asked us to visit , we are elderly so a little concerned as he suggests that it is recommended we have Thyphoid and Hep A. Vaccine ,but not mandatory .

Has anyone knowledge about this ,I am not keen to have them due to any reactions I may get.

thank you.

[Investigator1]

Hi jackrussel, There are two vaccines to prevent typhoid fever. One is an inactivated (killed) vaccine and the other is a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine. Because hepatitis A vaccine is inactivated, no special precautions need to be taken when vaccinating people who are immunocompromised. The booster for Typhoid is every 2-5 years and Hep A 20 years so you may have had that one. I have been to South Africa several times and had the vaccines but this was before Covid and my GPA diagnosis, however we are planning a trip next year and I have spoken to my Pharmacist who says that if I am staying in tourist areas or with friends and family it isn’t a big deal, only if visiting townships or going on safari it should be recommended. She also said I “should” be ok if I had the inactive vaccines however Rituximab could possibly cancel them out anyway. It’s one of those. Hope this helps.

[AndrewT in reply to Investigator1]

So well 'Put', my friend, I can't Add Anything- other than Do Speak To your Own Consultants Jack..... and, of course, Have a Great Holiday!

AndrewT