Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Seabass]

Hello,

I am leaving for Korea and have not had my immunizations yet. I did not realize that it takes 6 to 8 weeks for them to take affect. I am getting them done next week, so it will only be 4 weeks between my immunizations and when I land in Korea.

First of all, what immunizations will I need? I am from Canada if that is relevant.

Also, what things do I need to be extra cautious of (like drinking water, etc.) between the time I land in Korea and when the immunizations will take affect?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you

[uber1024]

[denverdeath]

Seabass,

As uber said, you should get Hep-B done, especially if you plan on partaking of some unprotected sex. Depends on where you get it done but sometimes it takes three separate injections. If you can't have the single-shot deal done in Canada, you can have it done here.

I think more important is the Hep-A. It can be done in one visit back home. Even though Hep-B is worse, you don't want Hep-A either and it is possible to catch it from a carrier horking up on you or via other means. Some foreigners here drink the tap water, but I don't do it and especially wouldn't do it if I didn't have my Hep-A shot.

I was a bit paranoid before coming and had a lot of stuff done: tetanus, diptheria, typhoid, even a TB test. If you can't remember the last time you had any of the stuff done, maybe you should too.

My family doctor knew sh*t about the stuff. I'm not sure where you're from, but I went to the local public health clinic in my city and they knew it all and had me set up after a few different visits and at a reasonably low cost. I heard it's much more expensive in Alberta(at least that's what a former co-worker from there told me).

[sheba]

I went to a travel doctor before coming to Korea and he advised to get typhoid, dyptheria, Hep A+B, tetanus, and MMR. Keep in mind there may be several shots required over a period of time. I got Hep A+B together (Twinrix) but had to get a second shot 6 weeks later, and then a booster at 12 weeks.

[Homer]

Seabass,

They recommend (Gov of Can) Heb A & B, typhoid fever and to be up to date with your basic vaccines.


You could also consider the following shots:

1- A tolerance vaccine

This protects you from being an arrogant westerner that comes here to preach.

2- The adaptation vaccine

Allows you to see that diffences are good sometimes

3- The They are not all the same vaccine.

It allows you to judge people as indivivuals and not start making dumb sweeping judgement.

Those shots are free too...best of luck.