More Shots

It's been about a month since my first round of immunizations. It was time to go back for more. The first round of shots included hepatitis A, hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. The second round was to include the second series of hepatitis A and hepatitis B. For South America the CDC recommends typhoid and yellow fever. I didn't get those two shots the first round because of the out of pocket cost. But now I'm thinking that it will be a small price to pay in the big scheme of things. I had set aside some money in my health spending account. It's use it or loose it money, so it was the right time to used it.

So... off the RediClinic again.

At the clinic I ordered up the second series of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and yellow fever. The nurse told me that in order to get the typhoid and yellow fever shots, they required that I receive a travelers vaccination consultation at a cost of $75. Hmmm... I didn't really think that it was necessary because I had already done the research on the CDC website to determine which vaccines I needed. However, I relinquished because I needed the shots.

So inside the consultation room we went. The PA asked me which countries that I would be visiting. I told her. She gave me that look that I've been getting quite a bit lately. The look with the raised eyebrow mixed with a bit of skepticism, that soon melts away into a smile. I watched as the PA pulled up the CDC website and proceeded to search for the recommened shots for South America. She ended up recommending the shots that I had already researched and requested. Yep, I'll take 'em all. The nurse lined them up then proceeded to poke me one after another. This time I barely noticed the needles sliding into my arm and the vaccine entering. Either the nurse was really good, the needles were thinner or I'm toughening up. Let's hope that it's the last.

During my first visit I thought about getting a rabies shot. I've decided to forgo it all together. As long as I don't come across a rabid dog and get bit I should be good.

So now I'm done with my shots!

Here's the proof... My International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis as approved by the World Health Organization.