Traveling Internationally: The Joys of Immunizations

Photo courtesy of www.parentsplace.ca

It's no surprise that immunizations are required when traveling overseas, however, actually getting a needle is   possibly my biggest fear.  Are you laughing yet?   It's okay, honestly, because I would probably be laughing too if I wasn't instead hyperventilating, crying my eyes out and digging my nails into my hands as the 10 second needle occurs.

What's worse is that Allan doesn't even flinch.  He strolls to the doctor's office with no fear, ready to face the multiple immunizations head on with a smile while I am shaking uncontrollably.  Whether you're brave like Allan or a screaming disaster like me, needles are very important for your health and safety.

For a trip to Bali, there are only two required immunizations: Hepatitis A and Typhoid.  However, there are also about three other vaccinations that are recommended: Rabies, Hepatitis B and Influenza.

Hepatitis A (and B if done as a Twinrix)

Hep A is a liver disease found in the stool of those infected with the disease.  It is easily spread by close personal contact with someone infected or by eating food and drinking water that contains the HAV virus.  Hepatitis A can be prevented by getting one vaccination about 4 weeks prior to leaving the country.  Then, a year later, a follow-up shot is required.  (See, Allan was lucky and only required Hep A immunizations as he was still immune to Hep B but I wasn't so lucky.)

Hep A can also be combined with Hep B and the immunization is called Twinrix.  This means that you get both the A and B needles combined but this requires 3 needles instead of the one needle that Allan received. The first shot is administered at least 7 months before leaving and then the second needle is done a month after that.  The last shot is then done about 4 months later.  I am currently receiving my last twinrix on Agust 20th.  YAY for me.  (I should mention that almost all people have received Hep B shots in school.  The issue is that while some people stay immune (aka Allan) others need to get the shots again (aka Me).  This blood test - or titre - can be done to see if you need to be vaccinated for Hep B again.)  I should mention that each needle costs $50 and is not covered by extended medical.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a disease transmitted by the ingestion of food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person.  (Gross, right?)  This vaccination should be received about two or three weeks prior to your trip.  It's either done as one vaccination OR, the newest form, by oral ingestion.  (Allan has received his already and there is a series of 4 pills to be taken.)  I should mention that these pills cost about $40 and are not covered by extended medical.

Traveler's Diarrhea

This is probably the most common form of illness affecting travelers.  Because we're traveling to a place where the food is completely different, Allan and I decided this was a good idea to take.  Again, it's an oral vaccination (actually it's a liquid - we're taking Dukoral) and there are two doses.  One taken two weeks before the trip and the other taken one week before.  This medicine will cover you for three months.  I will say that this medication is priced at $76 which is really high.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella - Optional)

This is a series of two shots and they are done a month apart.  I am getting these needles as they are required by my employer and this way I don't have to pay for them.  (YAY!)  

TDap (Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis - Optional)

Though this is an optional immunization, it's something both Allan and I chose to do.  Not only was I not up to date on my booster, but I have never had a tetanus shot before.  Being that we are traveling to a third world country, it's something we knew we needed.  This is one needle and it will give you a bit of pain afterward.  My arm hurt for a couple days but at least I know that I'm covered now.  This needle is covered by your MSP plan.

Rabies (Optional)

There is a HUGE rabies outbreak right now in Indonesia because of the monkeys and wild dogs but the needles are so pricey that Allan and I chose not to receive them.  The vaccination is a series of three needles, similar to the Hep A and B, but instead of costing $50 a needle, they cost $500.  That means for Allan and I to have received immunity, we would have paid $3000.  Exactly...This wasn't going to happen.  Plus, we figure that if we are bitten by a crazy animal, we will get the shots for free at a medical clinic.

Research is important for any location you're traveling to and the same goes with researching your vaccinations.  Choose the ones that you feel will greatly impact your trip (should you get sick) and go from there.  Sometimes, getting all of the offered needles isn't the way to go.  Happy travels!

PS - I only have two more vaccinations to go!!  YAY for me.