Hepatitis A shots- SE Asia?

Question

Is it possible to get Hepatitis A vaccinations IN Thailand or Cambodia?

Answer 1

The Thai word for Hepatitis A is Hepatitis A so you should not have trouble making people understand what you want.

As for vaccinations you never need them till you need them.  I know people who have Hepatitis B which could have been prevented by a shot.  Now they risks cirrhosis, liver cancer and a shorted life expectancy and very expensive medication.   Hepatitis A only makes you sick but if your going to the country or eating shellfish why risk a several thousand dollar vacation  for $50 bucks.

Bangkok has modern hospital facilities and many of their doctors are trained in the United States.  The have every medicine you can get in the US and you should have no problem finding the vaccine.  The last time I visited Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok they charged me $15 for the doctor fee but BNH, Yanhee or Samitivej would all be equally as good.  

It takes two shots and doesn't start working for about 2 weeks after the initial shot. (your body has to build anti-bodies).   The second shot is after 6 months.  You can also be check to see if you have the anti-bodies.  Hepatits A like Tetanus has to be renewed after 15 years or so.

That said medicine outside the major cities may be spotty.  I stay near Laos.  I ordered Hep A vaccine when I arrived and it took a week to get it from Bangkok  and I paid about $25 bucks for the shot.  I  got infected and I have a small scar on the back of my hand at the injection site.  So I would say get the shot at the hospital.

Answer 2

Of course, you can go to any hospital for that. You'd be better off in 'farang' hospitals, as they speak a lot more English.

Do realise that a Thai doctor is somewhat biased: if the shot doesn't do you any good he gets paid for for the shot anyway. So he will, quite naturally, say 'yes, you need them'. <-- He needs that Toyota Lexus 4x4.

You do much better by asking your own doctor or local tropical disease center about it. Pending the lenght of your trip, and where you're going to stay I'd say you don't need them as a normal tourist.