Yesterday, I went to an immunization clinic for international travel. I got 4 shots–Typhoid, Hepatitis A #1 of 2, which I apparently didn’t have, Hepatitis B #2 of 3, and Meningitis, which, unbeknownst to me, doesn’t last forever. I’m up to date on Tetanus, and so I didn’t have to get that one. I also got a TB test, and I’ll probably get another TB test when I get back. So, I should be good to go, though I will have to get Hep A #2 and Hep B #3 in a couple of months.
Unfortunately, due to bad science and celebrities, vaccines have gotten a bad image. I, however, am very thankful that I have access to the vaccines I need to keep me healthy. I’m thankful that, when I make an appointment, unless I’m trying to get something really random, the clinic/doctor’s office will have it in stock, and, if they don’t, they can help find someplace that does have it.
I’m also really thankful that many of these diseases are not a problem in the US. Typhoid, for example, is not a vaccine you get unless you are traveling someplace where the water isn’t clean. As much as people in the US complain about our tap water (sometimes rightly so, sometimes not), except in unusual circumstances, we don’t have to worry getting sick, needing to boil it first, brushing our teeth with bottled water, etc.
I think I’m starting to realize on a greater level how many things I take for granted. I think this trip, on some levels, is going to be very difficult. However, it will be a good kind of hard.
Also, if you have been watching, the meter at the top of the page has jumped up in the last couple of days. I just want to say a quick thanks to everyone who has given so far! We’re over a quarter of the way there!!
