Immunizations, what a sticky subject. I went to my primary care physician and to a travel medical clinic in order to ensure that I received all of the required immunizations while at the same time hoping to control the out of pocket costs of obtaining them. I have all of this information annotated in my “International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis” as approved by The World Health Organization. I also obtained copies of the Travax malaria and yellow fever maps from the travel medical clinic. The malaria maps indicate whether chloroquine or malarone is protective in the country or within particular areas of the country.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B – Hep A is a two shot series over a six month period. Hep B is a three shot series over a six month period. As of this writing there is not an immunization for Hep C.
Pneumonia – I received one shot which is supposed to be good for five years to life.
TDP – Typhus, diphtheria and pertussis, the kiddie shots that everyone now gets as babies. I am good for the next ten years of my second, third or fourth childhoods, all depends on how one counts.
Typhoid – Four tablets which I had to take per a schedule. I am now supposed to be good on this for the next five years.
Rabies – You know the saying about mad dogs and Englishmen? I think that it now applies to mad dogs and TSA agents. I had three exposures which are supposed to give me some time to get to emergency medical treatment in case of a suspected bite from a rabid beast.
Yellow Fever – This one is important if you are crossing from a yellow fever known area of infestation into a country without such an area of infestation. The two doses that I received are good for ten years, at which time I am supposed to receive a booster shot.
Tuberculosis – I had a tine test which indicated negative.
Polio – An oral administration, prevention should now be for the rest of my life.
As you can see, I have not taken my undertaking this journey lightly, nor should you if you are planning a journey such as mine. This adventure cannot be a spur of the moment undertaking. In addition to the immunizations, I am also taking along Malarone tablets for some of the areas that are subject to Malaria. I anticipate being able to obtain Chloroquine once I get started on my journey. (I did so at a pharmacy located in a grocery store, and was give the drug over-the-counter.)
I am also taking along altitude sickness tablets. I don’t think that I want to mess with coca leaves at my age.
I have my optometric prescription in case I need to replace my prescription glasses.
I also have a letter from my PCP for the prescriptions that I take on a daily basis in case it is needed crossing any borders.
seniorbackpacker 