What is the difference between Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B? Is there a vaccine?
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis A is present in the U.S. The vaccine for Hepatitis A is very effective. You would get your first shot at the time of your visit and that will give immunity for 1 year. A booster at 6-12 months will give you long term protection. Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids. There is a vaccine available which is given in a series of three shots over a 6 month period and which gives long term protection against Hepatitis B. The vaccine is now given routinely as a pediatric vaccine for all children and it is required for all children entering middle school. Hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of three shots over 6 months. There is an acclerated schedule given to travelers with urgent time needs. With the accelerated schedule all three shots would be given over a 60 day period. However, you would then need a fourth shot 6-12 months later. The main means of transmission of Hepatitis B are: • sexual activity – e
