GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO GET YOUR INOCULATIONS
August 11, 2008 by admin
I wrote these tips prior to my last around the world trip and they are still pertinent. Since some inoculations are given in several doses, I began my trips to the Health Department almost a full year before my departure. Since most are still in effect, this time I will simply go in and see if I need any refreshers before my next trip, or anything specific to the countries I plan to visit. I must do that sooner, rather than later.
Inoculations: I got them all just for good measure. Everything that the Health Department offered is now in my body, protecting me for life, or for the next decade. Tetanus/Diphtheria, Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Hepatitis A are officially logged on a bright yellow card now tucked in my passport. Malaria protection isn’t gained in advance and must be covered by expensive little pills during the exposure time.
When I saw HIV testing as an entry requirement to a few countries under certain circumstances, I investigated getting that just to be on the safe side. But, I balanced the cost against the likelihood of needing it and decided that I probably would never be asked that question as I am not in the suspect age group, nor will I be staying in a foreign country for as long as a year.
One should allow several months for this inoculation business, as the shots can’t be done together and Hepatitis A needs two jabs, six months apart. Health Departments are busy places and you must put aside time for substantial waits. But, long-term protection is worth is and for most of the above diseases, you will never have to worry again.
My total cost was around $200 and was not covered by Medicare.
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