Korean Job Discussion Forums

busan_boy2000 · Joined: 11 Nov 2003

Has anyone continued or started Twinrix vaccinations in Korea? I'm just wondering as I need to continue my vaccinations and will need to purchase further doses. I assume twinrix is available in Korea as the website says iits approved in 70 countries and korea must be one of them.

By the way, I recently had my immunity tested from previous Hep vacinations 5 years ago in high school and found out that they had worn off as I never had the booster, so I recomend anyone going to or in Korea to make sure they are immune. I was glad to hear that I didn't pick up the virus during my last sojourn in SK - the thought of all those communal meals and salivatory exchanges that happend while there...a relief that was.

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

Twinrix sucks! I participated in a comparative study between twinrix and seperate hep A & B shots, I got Twinrix and had antibodies against B, very little against A. I got some new Hep A shots before going to China (not worried at all about SK, not planning to get any boosters except if I should go to the Chinese country side or so).
Got some bloodwork done a few months ago and NO immunity agains Hep B anymore!

Maybe I was a special case, but next time I'm getting seperate vaccinations!

busan_boy2000 · Joined: 11 Nov 2003

No hep A worries in Korea? Do you know something I don't know? The CDC in Atlanta and Health Canada and my old privates (doctor couple) all indicate that Hep A and B are serious risks in SK. Even the WHO indexes show very high incidences. This all makes sense based on the eating habits and customs of this part of the world.

Anyway, to late as I started the twinrix today and leave or my new job next week. So I hope it works for me and that I'm able to score my booster next month.

Incidently my immunity wore off from the traditional plain Hep B - so I think regular blood tests and boosters are part of the game until we become fully immune.

tokki · Joined: 26 Jul 2003

I didnt know hep B could be passed on by sharing food...you learn something new every day I guess.

Hep A can be, but it really doesnt pose a major threat in the long run. Not many people die or get really sick from hep A complications.

I didnt get vaccinated for hep and nearly 3 years after first coming here have not contracted the disease.

If you dont go whoring and dont shoot up, I think you should be fine.

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

You can only get Hep A through food/drinking water etc.
Hep B is contracted through blood/sexual contact.

tokki · Joined: 26 Jul 2003

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

busan_boy2000 · Joined: 11 Nov 2003

I guess I'm a *beep* Crying or Very sad

but condoms break and sex can get freaky. Yeah, if your married and know you partner than, your pretty safe.

Who wants to get hep A? You make it sound like its no big deal - it's not chronic and won't kill you, but I'd prefer to avoid the yellow skin, vommiting, pain in the abdommen. Anyway, in true knowitall english teacher fashion, you gave me your opinion on my choice to get vaccinated, and failed to answer my question.

I didn't ask how to build a watch - I asked what time it is.

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

I did a search on Google for Korean websites that mention Twinrix. The only info I could come up with is a Fullbright webpage saying it is NOT available in Korea... but didn't see a date, so hey might have it by now. Guess you'll just have to go to a pharmacy/hospital and ask. The company that makes Twinrix (GlaxoSmithKline) does have a branch in Korea, so I would be surprised if they don't sell it here.

busan_boy2000 · Joined: 11 Nov 2003

Yeah, thats wht I'm leaning to as well. It must be available as GlaxoSmithKline is huge. Thanks peppergirl.

I sure hope my school comes through with med insurance this time!

waterbaby · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Baking Gord a Cheescake pie

I was in a similar situation to you. I had two shots before I came to Korea and then had the booster in Korea (at six months?). It wasn't twinrix, it was some other kind but everyone assured me it would do the job... better than nothing.

When I went back to Australia I got my blood tested and my blood work showed that I didn't quite have enough Hep B antibodies... so I got yet another booster shot. Confused

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

I'm at a new job and the health insurance isn't up yet. This thread reminds me of hepatitis and how I haven't got antibodies. I got shots but they didn't take. I've been in Korea and Taiwan for almost seven years and don't have hepatitis. But I want to get those antibodies anyway. Does health insurance give you a discount on the shots? Or are they pretty cheap anyway: I don't know. Last time, years ago, they were pretty cheap if I recall!

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

Don't know if health insurance covers those, in Japan health insurance sure didn't and it wasn't cheap! Over 5000 yen (about 50,000 won) if I remember well.

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Just wanted to say my doc in canada suggested i get those shots...7yrs later I haven't done it and haven't had a problem. I've been married almost 4yrs...so I am not out whoring etc to have to worry about Hep B.

Hep A no idea about. But when I get bloodwork done it always shows negative...so either I am lucky or it isn't THAT common.

busan_boy2000 · Joined: 11 Nov 2003

Here is some info. I would send you to health canada - but from what I observed, our government just copies it from the Americans, and takes credit for it (like the info on ESL in Korea). Don't tell the americans I think that however - we need to maintain the smug attitudes after all Wink

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/slideset/hep_b/slide_9.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/prevalence.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/