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1) Hepatitis A- {2 doses} Protection assumed 4 weeks after 1st dose however a 2nd dose
is recommended 6-12 months after the 1st dose. For those of us who have never had Hepatitis A vaccinations, we have time to
get the 1st dose, but that’s ok. If anyone has ever had the disease Hepatitis A, confirmed by laboratory analysis, you
are probably already immune to it and need not worry.
2) Hepatitis B- {3 doses} Vaccine series is recommended
for those exposed to blood and body fluids, however consider that could be all of us. This vaccine is given in stages. The
1st dose is followed by the 2nd dose 6 weeks later. The 3rd dose is administered 6 months after the 2nd dose. Since the medical
and dental teams should already be adequately immunized and given the time until our trip, the 1st and 2nd doses can be administered
in time. Don’t worry, after the 2nd dose ~ 92% of individuals will be adequately immunized. Further we will adhere to
standard blood and body fluid precautions, which will be explained later. If anyone previously has had Hepatitis B and does
not have Chronic Active Hepatitis B, you are probably already immune. If you have Chronic Active Hepatitis B vaccination will
do nothing for you.
3) Typhoid- {1 dose} This vaccination is good for 2 years and must be administered
at least 2 weeks before we leave. An oral form of this vaccine is available but multiple doses must be completed 1 week prior
to departure.
4) Measles- {1 booster if needed} If born before 1957, you are considered nonsusceptible.
Most born after 1957 have had 1 measles vaccine and therefore should have 1 booster vaccine administered unless you know for
certain you have had the disease of Measles before, then you should be immune. If you have already had the 2nd booster you
do not need another.
5) Tetanus-Diphtheria- {1 booster if needed} This immunization is considered good
for 10 years. If you cannot confirm your last tetanus-diphtheria vaccine was < 10 years ago, you will need this one as
well.
6) Other- Oral anti-malaria medication prescriptions can be provided for those unable to obtain from
their primary physicians.
Murray Duren, Jr., M.D.
3/28/03
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