Do these shots provide permanent protection or do they have to be updated periodically?

I believe the series of 3 shots should cover you for life, unless your doctor informs you that you have to receive more depending on lab work.

There are no shots for hepatitis A as it is a virus that runs it's course. It is a virus contracted through contaminated food. It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

Hepatitis B, however, has a series of 3 shots that aid in protecting you from the virus. It should be given within two weeks of exposure to the virus which is transmitted via blood/body fluids. It does not protect you for life.

Janine, Here in Canada doctors recommended Hepetitus a and b shots. The doctor actually recommended it, but I am not at a risk factor for b. So never bothered. As far as A. I agree, it is mostly caused by contaminated food and it runs its course so why even bother getting vaccinated.

Janine they do have vaccines for both A and B. They advertise those shots on commercials all the time, plus my doctor personally recommended it, but I decided not to because of the very same reason you gave.

Joe

Well I see checking my record with the county health department that I have had "HEP B 1ML #s 1,2 & 3". What confuses me is there are also 2 "HEB A ADULT #1" shots on my record. Any one know what "HEB" might stand for? The whole issue came to mind when I read that Marc Gonsalvez, one of three Americans kidnapped in 2003 by Colombian guerrillas is reported to be suffering from Hepatitis. I would have thought that as he planned to work in Colombia he would certainly have had his Hepatitis shots so perhaps what he is suffering from is the A version.

Combination vaccine for hepatitis A and B - [Medication] (http://www.bchealthguide.org/kbase/topic/detail/drug/uf4851/detail.htm)

I digress on the Hep A vaccine, my info was slightly incorrect.

Hep A- Fecal-oral route. Average incubation is 15 - 50 days. It may occur with or without flu like symptoms. Onset is usually abrupt & includes fever, malaise, nausea, anorexia, abdomnial discomfort, dark urine & jaundice. Kids younger than 5 are often asymptomatic. A vaccine is recommended for people who eat out often rather than preparing their own foods.

Hep B - Caused by HBV, can be acute or chronic & has a carrier state. It spreads parenterally, sexually, oral - oral, etc. Flu like symptoms, some people are asymptomatic. Treatment is interferon, lamivudine, Adefovur, Dipivoxil and liver transplant. The vaccine consists of 3 shots and is recommended for people in the health care field.

Hep C - the most common bloodborne infection.

Hep D - can only be contracted when a person also has Hep B.

Hep E - Resembles Hep A as it is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. It occurs primarily in developing areas such as India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa and Mexico.

So, I would believe that your friend may have developed Hep E rather than Hep A.

I hope you all accept my humble apologies, I was in a hurry when I answered previously and did not have my notes in front of me.