Jabs: Hep A and Hep B

In this process, I learned a lot about jabs so I wanted to share some additional information that I have learned along the way.

Hep A is a series of two shots. You can travel after the first but you need to get the second six months later.

Hep B is a series of three jabs, and you can travel after you have two, which are given a month apart. The third in that series is also six months later.

You may have had Hep B before entering university and from my research the efficacy can vary after 15 years. Me personally, I found out that I still have immunity to Hep B, so did not need to worry about this series. Which saved me hundreds of dollars.

If you do need both Hep A and Hep B you can get something called Twinrix, which is both shots in one. Same vaccination schedule as Hep B, but you are also getting the immunity to Hep A — with two less jabs. I found it to be a little more expensive but if you hate shots, like me, I think the extra cost would have been well worth it for three jabs versus five (ouch), especially if you are getting a full battery of jabs for your destinations.

Again, I’m not a doctor or a medical professional. I did a ton of research and asked A LOT of questions. But please, see your medical professional for advice for what is best for you and your situation.