While I frequently read over the handbook, I prolonged the big day of getting all of my immunizations for fear the shots may make me sick and I didn't want to miss work due to that. Thus, exactly one week after the last day of school I headed into the travel clinic at 8:00AM to get my immunizations. The reminder that "Foreign disease is not dazzling" stared me in the face as the nurse closed the door and I glanced around at inspirational photos and informative posters.
The travel nurse returned and was extremely helpful in talking me through all of the safety precautions needed to travel to a third world country. I was given a folder with a traveler health report prepared for me which listed country-specific recommendations. Since Tanzania is a developing nation in the lowest 25% of the world's economies, there are concerns which are not an issue in the United States. After going through my past medical history, it was recommended I receive five vaccinations in addition to the required Yellow Fever Vaccination. Thus it was time to put on my brave face...
I survived all six shots, three in each arm!
Most importantly, I was given proof of my immunizations which I will be required to show in order to enter Tanzania.
While the shots were quick and painless, they certainly did some damage to my wallet. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover immunizations required for out of country travel nor is the required medicine to prevent Malaria covered.
6 shots + 3 required medications = $967.78! Volunteering isn't cheap! I am happy to report I didn't have any negative reactions to the vaccines and got ready to meet my biking group Thursday evening as usual. Six shots(two in the front of each arm and one in the back) didn't keep me from my favorite exercise. I couldn't have been more thankful for my health as I headed off on that bike ride!
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