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Is it possible to have an overdose from any vaccines in particular, I am doing my routine vaccinations for when I am doing my travels soon, some vaccines I cannot remember whether I am due again for so am curious to know whether any vaccines can cause an overdose effect?
I don't know about the vaccines you are having in particular, but in general, the "challenge" to your immune system from any vaccine is much much less (orders of magnitude less) than what happens when you encounter some bug in "the wild" anyway. For example if a someone sneezes and you breathe in some flu virus, of if you get some bacteria on your hand by touching something (anything really - every surface in our lives, including ourselves, is covered with millions and billions of bacteria) and put your hand to your mouth. Everyday stuff like that.
So I wouldn't be worried about somehow managing to overdose on vaccines, but if you are worried I suggest you discuss this with your GP or nurse when you go to get your vaccines.
if you are unsure they can do a serology test to see what you are immune against. this is a simple blood test results back within 24 hours most times.
but generally no you cant "overdose" but with soem vaccines it is possible to have a reaction to it usually only locally like a swallon red bump at teh injection site if you have only recently had it or your already immune, as the immune response starts immediately as it knows it is a bad thing and tries to get rid of it.
which vaccines are you loooking at getting in particular if you dont mind me asking and i can give you some more specific answers about it
Hi kawazuki, I am going to be getting the Tetanus, Typhoid and Twinrix (Hep A+B). The Tetanus I may not even be due as I would have had that about 5 years ago but it is one of the vaccines preferred for travel. The Twinrix (Hep A+B) requires 3 doses, they say 0,1 and 6 month intervals. As I will be travelling soon I can't wait the 6 months for the third dose, is it OK for a vaccine like Twinrix to have 3 injections in the space of 3 months like 0,1 and 2 month interval without an overdose effect. Also with the typhoid vaccine they give you 3 tablets to take but I have read that some people prefer a 4th tablet as it gives a more immune effect to the body, is there any cases of overdose from the typhoid vaccine?
the twinrix 720/20 can be given at 0 days, 7 days and 21 days then you need a 4th at 12 months post initial dose. there is no adverse effects from this quick schedule that arent associated with giving normally. and that is the reccomended quick dose for travel reasons
tetnus will be fine if about 5 years ago.
and it is true a 4th tablet taken within 7 dasy has been shown to have lower incidences of typhoid.. but that would be your choice, the national health and medical research council reccomnd 3 dises but a 4th is optional..
Tetanus you can have fairly frequently - most adults only ever have a booster when they have a penetrating injury, so if you haven't had an injury like that recently, you are fine. If you had a course of Hep B vaccines when you were younger, you could ask for serology to see if you still have immunity now; that would save you from having the Hep B vaccine. If you're Australian, you've probably never had typhoid or Hep A vaccines.
I had the rapid schedule Hep B in Dec 1997 and then the 12 month dose in Jan 1999. My antibody titer was so high even 10 years later that the blood bank used my plasma to make Hep B vaccine. So it definitely works. I had no side effects; a faint after the first one, but I had three or four other vax that day and hadn't had enough to eat.
If it's for travel, and you're in a big city, check out the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (you can book online and they will call to confirm) They're cheaper because they buy their vax in bulk and they have specialist travel doctors. The website can also suggest a vaccination schedule for your trip.
Good luck!
I have already had my first two doses of the Twinrix 0 month, and 1 month shot. My next one is due in 5 months but I will be going on my holiday in 2 weeks and can't wait till then. Do you know if it will be safe and effective to have one more shot of Twinrix before I go?