AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Do I need vaccines?

Yes, I know the vaccine for Hep A/Hep B is called Twinrix here in the US. I didn't name it, since I'm not sure the name is the same in other nations.

Hep B vaccine is required here in Iowa to attend school. Hep A vaccine is recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics, and is required in some states.

How does taking these injections affect your ability to donate blood? Because I have had hepatitis (I never rember whether A or B) I can not donate.

Hep B is the blood borne Hepatitis, so that may be what you had. Hep A is what you can get from contaminated water/fecal matter etc...my understanding is, if you have the blood borne Hep, you always carry the virus and it can be transmitted. I could be completely wrong but I believe this is what I've heard.

Hi JeanH,

Best as I know, where ever the vaccine carries a brand name it's Twinrix. The generic name is Hepatitis A Inactivated/Hepatitis B (Recombinant) Vaccine.

In any event, the OP indicated in a later post that she has started the Twinrix regimen.

Regards,

DocVikingo

Hi ScubaLdy,

One may donate blood at any time after preventative vaccination against hep A (the viral antigen in the vaccine is inactivated).

Blood donation following preventative vaccination against hep B requires a waiting period which varies by donation facility. The American Red Cross hqs guideline is 21 days.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Hi Colomojo,

The issue of life-long transmissibility of hep family viruses by those who have been infected is a very complicated matter. It is, however, possible for this to occur under the right set of circumstances.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

If you are going diving with elbert you had best make sure your shots are up to date!

...or drinking with Rykat

Here in lower alabama (la) they won't take your blood after they ask the question what countries have you visited in the last year and you tell them Belize.

Had the same problem. haven't been able to give blood in many years because of my yearly trip to AC. Sad