Immunizations for Repo?

[HooKooDooKu]

Are there any special vacinations Adults or Children should consider getting before the up-comming Reop cruses?

When I contacted my Doctor's office, they just refered me to the local "Travelers Health Clinic". But when I check out the web site, they don't provide information beyond talking about their services, and they seem a bit over the top for a "simple" cruise. (i.e. the travelers clinic sounds like just the thing if I was going to work in a foreign country or spend time out in the wilds and deep woods in the amazon).

Anyone else try to do any research to determine what if any immunizations are needed before this trip?

[Edit]

Keep in mind, I'm looking not only for me and DW, but also 2yo DS.

 

[RobinMarie]

We are on the eastbound repo cruise and after a trip to the pediatrician Tuesday, they suggested I call the Health Dept.

Health Dept emphatically recommended Hep A and an updated tetanus shot.

Other people on our cruise have received different information, but this is what I received just this week.

Hope this helps!

 

[webray]

There isn't anything special needed for this cruise.

Before hubby and I started cruising, we updated our tetnus, hepatitis, etc. All the adult immunizations we should have done anyway.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

There isn't anything special needed for this cruise.

Before hubby and I started cruising, we updated our tetnus, hepatitis, etc. All the adult immunizations we should have done anyway.

What about for Kids (we're bringing a 2.5yo who is up-to-date on childrens immunization schedule).

 

[kpgclark]

My pediatrician recommended Hep A for both children and adults. She said it is good for life after the second dose. I think it protects you from food related illnesses where there is contamination. Here are some facts:

What is hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection of the liver. The virus is found in the stool of infected people. The illness is usually spread by a fecal-oral route, or by putting something in the mouth that was contaminated by the stool of a person with the disease.


Symptoms
The effects of hepatitis A infection differ from person to person. Generally, the older the person, the more severe the symptoms. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine and appetite loss. Respiratory symptoms, rashes and joint pain may also develop.

The average time between exposure to the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and the development of symptoms is about 28 days. Symptoms commonly last for about 4 weeks, but in 20% of people who get the disease, the symptoms may return and continue on and off for up to 15 months. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A once it is contracted.


Prevention
There is a vaccine to protect against HAV infection. Two doses are needed 6 to 12 months apart to ensure long-term protection. International travelers should get the first dose at least 4 weeks prior to their departure.



Who should get hepatitis A vaccine?

Children, including adolescents, living in areas where the rates of hepatitis A are greater than the national average.
Travelers visiting developing countries where hepatitis A is common and where clean water and proper sewage disposal are not available. These areas include, but are not limited to, Africa, Asia (except Japan), parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East.
Children and employees in child care centers (especially centers that have children in diapers) where a child or an employee has a hepatitis A virus infection.
Residents and staff of institutions for disabled children where a resident or an employee has hepatitis A.
People who share a household or have sexual contact with someone who is infected with the hepatitis A virus.
Persons who have chronic liver disease.
Persons who have clotting-factor disorders, such as hemophilia.
Men who have sex with men.
Illegal drug users.



Vaccine Safety
The hepatitis A vaccine is very safe and effective. You cannot get hepatitis A from the vaccine. Side effects, when they occur, are minimal and may include soreness at the injection site or a headache. As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with hepatitis A disease are much greater than the potential risks associated with the hepatitis A vaccine.

 

[SandraLee]

I'm sure I could ask my ped, but . . .


My children had the first dose of the HEP A. We needed the booster, but I should have done that 6 months ago. What if I do that now? Does it still work the same?

Thanks.

 

[RobinMarie]

I think you should ask your doctor. I've heard of blood tests to determine if there are antibodies but do not know what to do in your case.

 

[ivanova]

since HepA is required for kids now our DD is already covered.

for DH and myself, our doc basically said if we plan on eating or drinking off the ship (and this included alcoholic beverages) then he STRONGLY recommended HepA for us as well. He said we didn't need anything else (i.e. malaria, etc.).

 

[TootyJane]

I went through the Panama Canal last year and also wanted to know about any required immunizations. I called our local health department and as RobinMarie mentioned, the official I spoke to said recommended Hep A and an updated tetanus shot. I also asked about malaria. The woman said that unless I would be going deep into any of these countries or going to farms that I could skip the Hep A and Malaria vaccines. I did get a tetanus booster since I hadn't had one since I was a kid. HTH

 

[SchultzFamily]

SandraLee, I used to work in a pediatric clinic and I did all of the immunizations. We would routinely give the 2nd Hep A vaccine well over the 6 month recommended schedule. It was never recommended to give a booster when given late but check with your pediatrician. It was definately recommended (along with an up to date Tetanus) for travel to Mexico.
Vickie

 

[SandraLee]

It was never recommended to give a booster when given late but check with your pediatrician. It was definately recommended (along with an up to date Tetanus) for travel to Mexico.
Vickie

So, even though it is not recommended, you would give it anyway? Right? I'll call the ped today and see what I should do. I had finally told my kids they were done with shots.

Will they do a tetanus and hep a on the same visit. Any possibility of in the same shot!?

 

[SchultzFamily]

Will they do a tetanus and hep a on the same visit. Any possibility of in the same shot!?

Same visit, yes, same shot, no.

 

[piglet33]

since HepA is required for kids now our DD is already covered.

for DH and myself, our doc basically said if we plan on eating or drinking off the ship (and this included alcoholic beverages) then he STRONGLY recommended HepA for us as well. He said we didn't need anything else (i.e. malaria, etc.).

Hep A is not required in NJ - only Hep B.

I asked our Ped. and was told we don't need anything unless we eat off the ship. I intend to order sandwiches, drinks and stuff from room service to take with us. This helps in two ways - 1- we won't eat anything off the ship 2- It'll be a cost savings since we won't have to buy any additional food.

 

[HooKooDooKu]

We decided to go to the "Travelers Health Clinic". They recomended Tetnis and Flu shots. They did not "strongly" recomend the HebA (since we don't plan on much eatting off the ship) be we decided to add it anyway.

So DW and I got three shots, DS got two (he's already up to date on Tetnis).

As for the flu, they were claiming that in tropical regions, flu is a year-round thing and that even the CDC now recomends flu shots for people that will be spending consiterable time together in tight places (i.g. a cruise ship).

Additionally, they gave us a perscription for antibiotics to be used if we get a bad case of "traveller's diareia" that can't be handled by ImmodiumAD.

The first part of that OUCH! was that some of those shots hurt (at least a little). But then the biggest shot was given to my wallet ($400+ for the three of us). But with one trip to the doctor, we got the entire family covered.