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Hi all,
Our doctor recommended Hepatitis A & B vaccinations before we leave for the Camino Frances in September. We don't believe in vaccinations for the sake of it so what is the general opinion of members? Thanks Sriyantra
Didn't think so. I had Hep B vaccinations in 1990 because I was teaching a number of students who were carriers and the school insisted on it. Thanks.If you don't need 'm t home, you don't need 'm here.
Didn't think so. I had Hep B vaccinations in 1990 because I was teaching a number of students who were carriers and the school insisted on it. Thanks.
It is very strange how unaware many are of the fact that Spain is a highly sophisticated country in Europe...
Health care system functions (very good, by own experience) and everything you need can be bought. Food is very good, and everything is cheaper than at home.
No, no vaccines are necessary for going to Spain.
Leaving for the airport in 1.5 hours, heading for Barcelona tonight. Tomorrow will be tapas (pinxhos) in Pamplona
Thanks for all of your thoughts and the time and effort you have spent in answering my question. The websites are great resources to refer to.At risk of injecting the perspectives of experts, it might make sense to refer to the CDC and WHO . . .
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-mass-gatherings
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/spain
http://www.who.int/ith/updates/en/
Ultimately, to vaccinate or not is a personal choice. Although my doctor did mention the Hep A, Hep B, and Rabies topics as raised by the CDC, I chose not to receive Hep A because it is generally low occurrence in Western Europe and my lifestyle is minimal for Hep B exposure. I figured rabies exposure was unlikely and could be treated if needed.
However, for my 2013 Camino, given that the CDC and WHO were tracking a spike in meningitis worldwide, and given that the Camino acts as a "mass gathering" for people throughout the world, my doctor recommended the meningitis vaccine. That made sense to me and I received it. He also mentioned the significant rise in measles in Europe (well documented by the WHO), he checked my immunization records and determined nothing additional was required.
I generally agree that a first world citizen travelling to another first world country, like Spain, the general advice of "do there what you do here" is reasonable. HOWEVER, the Camino potentially changes that because it attracts people from all over the world and artificially increases exposure risks that would otherwise be small (e.g. meningitis). Additionally, if one hasn't received standard recommended immunizations (e.g. measles), then one's risk IS greater.
At the end of the day, I am not qualified to advise a person to disregard the directions of his/her doctors or of recognized healthcare organizations. All I can do is make an (arguably) informed choice for myself.
I generally agree that a first world citizen travelling to another first world country, like Spain, the general advice of "do there what you do here" is reasonable. HOWEVER, the Camino potentially changes that because it attracts people from all over the world and artificially increases exposure risks that would otherwise be small (e.g. meningitis).
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I made an informed choice, based on my discussion with my doctor and my own research from professional organizations like the CDC and WHO (neither of which appears to view Spain as some backwater, third-world country). I chose NOT to go with Hep A or B. I did choose to go with meningitis, and I agree that I probably should already have had the meningitis vaccination; planning for the camino simply brought that to the surface.But then, if you use this as an argument, you also need it when going to Disney world, New York, The eifel tower, my favorite bar ect........
No, if you think like that, you need injections to even go visit your own bathroom
The camino is, travelwise, no different then any other first world place/country/tourist trap. No hep A and b injection needed. Absolute overkill imho.
Thanks. Sitting on the train from Barcelona to Pamplona right now. Good to be "back in business"Hi,
I guess by the time you read this you'll be safely ensconced in Barcelona. Just wanted to say,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Buen Camino
Based on the CDC recommendation, you are probably correct. I would tend to believe there is less risk in walking the Camino Ingles than in going to the Superbowl or to the 1993 World Youth Day in Denver (my home town).But if it is because of a place of mass gathering, then by that theory you would not need it on, lets say, the camino ingles or any other hardly travelled camino? 'Cause there sure arent any mass gatherings on those walks.
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