As James naps on the couch, sleeping off some feeling of sickness that has been hovering over him for the past few days, I felt like this was a good time to think about the vaccinations that we need to get. As we travel to 11 different countries we will be facing a lot of possible viruses, diseases, and infections. James and I are usually pretty healthy people, never having to call in sick very often. However, our immune systems haven’t had much practice with things such as Malaria, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever.
Adventures In Missions is not authorized to give us mandated vaccinations that we need. The only vaccination they tell us we have to have is Yellow Fever, and that is because many countries require a certificate of proof that you received the vaccination before they allow you to enter. Any other vaccinations we choose to get is up to us. James and I have spent time scouring the CDC website and making lists of all of the vaccinations they suggest. I also plan to go into a travel doctor at some point to get more information. We want to be as protected as possible, but money also plays a factor.
These vaccinations can be expensive and insurance will not help much as these are seen as optional. James and I have tightened our financial belts and we are saving up as much as we can, but we also thought we would reach out to see if anyone can help us reach our goal.
Some vaccinations will be a more important for us to get than others. The ones that we may opt out of if we do not have the funds are in italics.
A rough estimate is that we will need about $1,500 a person to receive the following vaccinations: (I will update this number after I talk to a travel doctor and get a more exact estimate on how much these vaccinations will cost)Yellow Fever. Hep A. Hep B. Typhoid. Malaria. Japanese Encephalitis.
We will also need to make sure we are up to date on: Meningitis, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rhubella), and Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis).
If anyone has some advice on vaccines or has some experience we would greatly appreciate any advice or words of wisdom! Below is a chart that we will be updating as we save up for our shots and receive your help.
To help us receive our vaccinations feel free to contact us through our blog, Facebook, or by phone.
Thank you for all of your support and prayers so far!
And if all else fails, MORE COWBELL!
