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Do we need Hep A vaccine for day trip to Tangiers, Morocco?

Travel advisories recommend getting a Hep A vaccine for visits to Morocco. Other than noting to be careful of what you eat, Rick Steves' book (on Spain) doesn't otherwise mention getting this vaccine. Any thoughts?

Posted by
4656 posts

What, you trust Rick over travel professionals? This isn't the time to be budget conscious. See a travel physician - not an Family doc who will look at a website and 'interpret' what you need. An experienced travel doc who has a vested interest in travel medicine. That being said, HepA is invaluable for any travel. If available - ask about Twinrix double hepatitis vaccine.

Posted by
8166 posts

Don't drink the water or eat raw produce and you should be alright for just a day trip.
But get the shot if you can

Posted by
5294 posts

You'll need two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine, 6 months apart, in order to obtain full protection.

Check with a travel physician for best advice.
According
to the cdc.gov website, you will also need to get the Typhoid vaccine.

Posted by
2734 posts

Absolutely, Even if you only get the first dose before you leave there is some protection. But, optimally, get the series of two.

Posted by
5837 posts

Unless you don't drink or eat:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/morocco

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these
diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis
A through contaminated food or water in Morocco, regardless of where
you are eating or staying.

Typhoid You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in
Morocco. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if
you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or
rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Posted by
2734 posts

Don't drink the water or eat raw produce and you should be alright for just a day trip.

That is very bad advice. Read about how Hep A is transmitted. My wife just suffered through a 2 month bout she acquired in San Diego where they are having an epidemic. All it takes is touching anything an infected individual has touched after not having attended to proper toilet hygiene, even something such as money. You then transfer that to something you ingest and you've got it. One day, ten days, doesn't matter.

Posted by
5837 posts

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/hepatitis-a

Practice hygiene and cleanliness:

Wash your hands often.

If soap and water aren’t available, clean your hands with hand
sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).

Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face,
make sure your hands are clean.

Try to avoid close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing
eating utensils or cups with people who are sick.

Posted by
380 posts

Actually, you can get Hep A in any country. If you go out to eat in a restaurant, even in the US, any food handler can transmit the virus. Hence, it is recommended to always have your Hep A vaccination current.

Once I was at the National Pastry Competition at the JW Marriott in AZ, I was in the ladies room and saw a young woman dressed in chef's clothing use the bathroom then walked out without washing her hands.

6:00 pm update. Just on the news this evening that there is an outbreak in San Diego, northern California and AZ.