From the Guidelines
For an adult seeking varicella, Hepatitis A, and typhoid vaccines, I recommend starting with the varicella vaccine (Varivax), which requires two doses given 4-8 weeks apart, as emphasized by the advisory committee on immunization practices 1. The varicella vaccine is crucial for adults without evidence of immunity to varicella, especially those with close contact with persons at high risk for severe disease or are at high risk for exposure or transmission.
- The Hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix or Vaqta) also requires two doses, with the second dose given 6-12 months after the first, and is recommended for persons with chronic liver disease, international travelers, and certain other groups at increased risk for exposure to hepatitis A 2.
- The typhoid vaccine comes in two forms: an oral live vaccine (Vivotif) taken as one capsule every other day for four doses, providing protection for about 5 years; or an injectable vaccine (Typhim Vi) given as a single dose, providing protection for about 2-3 years. These vaccines can be administered simultaneously at different injection sites, so you could receive the first doses of varicella and Hepatitis A along with either typhoid vaccine option during your first visit.
- If you choose the injectable typhoid vaccine, you would then return 4-8 weeks later for your second varicella dose, and finally 6-12 months after the initial visit for your second Hepatitis A dose. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before vaccination if you're pregnant, immunocompromised, or have had allergic reactions to vaccines previously, as they can provide personalized guidance and ensure the safest and most effective vaccination schedule.
From the Research
Vaccine Schedule
To plan a schedule for an adult who wants to take the varicella, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid vaccines, consider the following:
- The varicella vaccine requires two doses, separated by 4 weeks, for all adults who do not have immunization or contraindications 3, 4, 5.
- The Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines can be administered together in a combined vaccine, with a single dose providing dual protection 6, 7.
- The combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine has been shown to be safe and immunogenic, with >95% of subjects positive for anti-Vi antibodies and >86% positive for anti-HAV antibodies as early as 14 days after immunization 6.
Recommended Schedule
Based on the available evidence, a possible schedule could be:
- Day 1: First dose of varicella vaccine and combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine
- Day 28: Second dose of varicella vaccine
Important Considerations
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any vaccine schedule to discuss individual needs and potential contraindications.
- The varicella vaccine has been shown to offer significant protection against severe chickenpox in healthy adults, even after a single dose 4.
- The combined Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine provides convenience and rapid seroconversion, making it an excellent option for travelers to endemic countries 6.