The vaccinations I had to get total were:
Hepatitis A & B
Polio
Meningococcal conjugate
Typhoid
Yellow Fever
Measels, Mumps, and Rubella booster (MMR)
Tetanus, Diptheria, Acellular Pertussis (TDAP)
In june I received vaccines for my first Hep dose and the TDAP. In September I was scheduled to receive another shot for Hep A&B, the polio shot, yellow fever, meningococcal and I would get my prescription for the pills for the typhoid vaccine.
Since I was paying for everything out of my own pocket, I decided to space the vaccinations out. So in September I got the polio shot, meningococcal, and the typhoid prescription. For the typhoid I had the take four pills every other day until they were gone. It wasn't very difficult because there were only four pills.
I chose to wait on the yellow fever vaccine because it would be mixed with a Measels, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) booster, as well as the final Hep vaccination.
When I got the shots in September I had a slight reaction to them and actually had to rest for most of the day after I had the shots and the following day. I had scheduled a dinner party with my friends the day after I got the shots. I had planned to cook and have us all hang out. I was so out of it and tired that I ended up ordering take out.
So this month when I went in for my final shots I was ready. I didn't have any parties or events scheduled. Mondays are also a day when I only have hours at one job so I could go home and rest if need be. With that considered, last Monday I went in to Group Health's travel clinic and received vaccines for Yellow Fever, the MMR booster, Hepatitis, and the seasonal flu. After feeling sick in September I was prepared to have something happen again but this time I had no problems or issues.
Everything went really well, and as usual the nurses at the travel clinic were really nice. One told me she enjoys "sticking" people with needles who are going on amazing trips since they (the nurses) can't go on any themselves. They have to just sit and hear about the pending adventures the patients are having. I laughed and told her "You can go if you want." She responded "Maybe but I don't think so. I have too many responsibilities and can't afford to do something like that" I've heard that a lot since I started this journey. There was a time when I was only wishing I could do something like this and I am glad now that I made it happen.
After the shots,I went to the pharmacy and picked up my Malaria and Travel diarrhea meds. I know gross but necessary. I have to start taking the malaria meds one day before I leave for Ghana and continue them for four weeks after I return. I have to take one pill per day to prevent getting malaria. The travel diarrhea meds are only just in case I get diarrhea while I am there from drinking or eating something.
Late Monday afternoon, after receiving the vaccines, I felt like I was dragging. I decided it was all in my head and continued with my day. After I decided I was fine I became really excited to finish the process of applying for my Ghanaian Visa. Part of the application process is providing a copy of your yellow fever vaccine.
More about the Visa application process soon.
-Austin
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