Vaccinations

The saying, "it helps to know people" definitely played true for helping me understand and get my vaccinations. One of my good friends administered all the vaccinations (except for one since I was able to get it through my work) needed for this trip. All 5 shots were drained into both arms causing a little discomfort that night, especially since I had a basketball game. (Just a heads up - if you are planning on obtaining all your vaccinations, it might be a good idea to not have a basketball game the night of).

I received the following shots:

Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever (Vivaxim): $100
Tetanus/Diphtheria and Polio: $ 60.00
Yellow Fever: $ 85.00
Meningitis: $130.0
MMR2: Free (good ol' public health care)

Still might be able to get some of these vaccinations covered.

The Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is one that I still might get prior to departure. I was informed that it's totally up to me. Since the vaccine is $450 and only lasts for 2 years, a lot of people do not get it. We went over the cases and prevalence of this disease and it seemed to be more important to get the vaccine for people traveling in remote areas in Asia and who were going to be visiting farms. You are given 3 shots for the vaccination: 1. Initial 2. One week after initial 3. 3 weeks after initial. Make sure to allow for this time before you start a trip.

Malaria pills were prescribed as well. There are a few different types. The one I'm going to try out is Mefloquine (trade name "Lariam"). I was advised to test out the pills prior to departure because side affects can include: severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, seizures, birth defects, peripheral motor-sensory neuropathy and suicidal ideation. If side affects will be experienced, they will show after one dose. These pills need to be taken one week prior to entering affected malaria zone, one per week while in affected zone and four weeks following departure of affected zone.
If I do experience side affects, Atovaquone will be my next choice. Quite a bit more expensive (especially since I'm going to be away for such a long period of time). It has to be taken one or two days prior to enterting affected malaria zone, daily while in affected malaria zone and daily for seven days after leaving the affected malaria zone.

Preparation

Well, my world adenture will begin in less than two months. Finally purchased my ticket and awaiting November 26, 2008 to embark on my one year world tour.