New to Playa, to Mexcio and to any part of the world "needing" shots

[Cfromlondon]

Hi,
I leave for Playa del Carmen (although it's my first trip, I have already bought a condo through a friend) on the 28th of August with my family (DH, DD 5, DD 8 mos). Some people have informed me that we need to get shots for anti-typhus, for Hepatities A and B. What info, if any, can you give me? TIA

[Dallas91]

Not sure if being from a different country matters or not. I did not have have any shots before arriving from the US. It never hurts (no pun intended) to have the shots though if you want to be on the safe side. You may want to call your physician's office to see what they recommend.

[Nerak936]

The only innoculation my doctor has ever suggested is Hep (I believe it was "B") since I do visit Playa on a regular basis (although we've never gotten sick from our Playa trips, but we did get very sick from a visit to Punta Cana, Dom. Republic in 2002). The Hep innoculation consists of two shots, 6 months apart, so you're probably too late to benefit from it at this late date (don't know if the first shot helps without the second one but I'd guess it couldn't hurt - no pun intended).

I'd say give a call to your doctor for you and your hubby and contact your children's pediatrician to see what he suggests for the kids.

Have a great time in Playa!!!!!

[Cfromlondon]

Originally Posted by Dallas91

Not sure if being from a different country matters or not. I did not have have any shots before arriving from the US. It never hurts (no pun intended) to have the shots though if you want to be on the safe side. You may want to call your physician's office to see what they recommend.

Well, I am from a different country (I live in a different country) but am from Canada and so I had all my shots as a kid! I am thinking that the only people who might have to have other shots are DDs and DH

[PCANNIE]

Health Canada does recommend that travellers to Mexico and the Caribean have the Hep Vacine. It is worth it in the long run, as one can pick up Hep from ill kitchen staff, improper handling of food and ice etc. (Please note, this can happen in your home country as well, it is not just a "down south" problem) We chose to have the Hep A & B vaccine a series of 3 shots, first shot with the second following 1 month later and the third 6 months later. My doctor said that it was possible for this vaccine to still be effective for a time greater than 10 years. After 10 years it is necessary to have an antibody test to determine if one needs to be revaccinated.

[ryberg]

I would recommend that you get your information in this regard from your doctor and/or someone like The Center for Disease Control (click here for their advice to travellers going to Mexico & Central America) rather than from Playa.Info (as great as it may be ) or other online forums.

Steve

[denisemc]

Originally Posted by Nerak936

The only innoculation my doctor has ever suggested is Hep (I believe it was "B") since I do visit Playa on a regular basis (although we've never gotten sick from our Playa trips, but we did get very sick from a visit to Punta Cana, Dom. Republic in 2002). The Hep innoculation consists of two shots, 6 months apart, so you're probably too late to benefit from it at this late date (don't know if the first shot helps without the second one but I'd guess it couldn't hurt - no pun intended).

I'd say give a call to your doctor for you and your hubby and contact your children's pediatrician to see what he suggests for the kids.

Have a great time in Playa!!!!!

It was probably Hep "A", since that's the one you can get from, shall we say, more casual contact.