Shots and More!

If you don't like shots, don't go out of the safe zone.

Tetanus, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid Fever, Salmonella, Cholera, Giardia and other diseases are a bit of a concern in underdeveloped countries around the world.  Some are preventable with vaccinations, others with proper care and handling of food, and by using good 'ol insect repellent.

Tucker and I went to the travel doctor at McFarland Clinic, Dr. Peter Wolfe.  He does a little research through Travax and the Center of Disease Control.  He gave us a folder with all the information he went over while we were there, as well as a Travax Traveler Health Report about Bolivia.  The report talks about which immunizations you should get and what diseases are a threat in different regions throughout Bolivia.    Some diseases, such as Malaria, don't need to be vaccinated for if you'll be above 8,200 ft. in altitude.   Malaria is transmitted through mosquitos, and you don't get mosquitos that high in the mountains.

The Travax Traveler Report even has a travel advisory section that discusses any problems of crimes towards travellers.  At big tourist destinations, pickpocketing is a concern, but we won't be at those places.

One interesting advisory to note:
"Travelers are advised against going on illegal prison tours, as there are no safety gaurantees, no authorities to help should a problem arise within the prison".

So, I guess I won't be showing Tucker the Bolivian prison system..........

At the clinic, Tucker and I both received the Yellow Fever and Hepatitis A vaccinations, and I got the pleasure of a third shot for the Tetanus.  The next day we both felt tired, probably had low grade fevers, and I couldn't move my arms.  Love those shots.....

We also got prescriptions for Typhoid Fever and Malaria vaccines, and a strong antibiotic.  The Typhoid fever we're taking now for a week to get us ready.  The malaria one we take daily while on the trip and for seven days after.  The antibiotic is only if we come down with something while we're there.