shot through the arm

After a total of 8 shots, several pills and about a grand between the two of us we left Passport Health ready to take on the diseases of the world.  The experience was actually pretty painless, well the Tetnus shot did sting a little, but in all seriousness it was a pretty straightforward process.  We made an appointment, met with a nurse, told her where we were traveling and then discussed the potential risks and various vaccines we would need.  I was also glad that all of the recommended vaccines from Passport Health lined up with what the U.S. Dept of State travel site recommended.

So here's the breakdown for each of us:

• Hepatitis A/B, Twinrix shot (3 shots over several months)
• Polio, IPOL shot
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis, Tdap shot
• Typhoid, Vivotif pills (4 pills taken over 8 days)
• Yellow Fever, shot
• Malaria, Doxycycline pills (150 pills to be taken when in Malaria areas)
• Diarrhea, Ciprofloxacin pills (20 pills taken as needed)
• 10 pills of Ambien

Due to some stomach issues on our recent trip to Peru the Cipro was a must have on this trip and Ambien never seems to hurt, although I've never had much luck with it.  The only real concern I have is the Doxycycline is said to cause sun sensitive skin, so I might see if there is any better alternative before we fill that prescription.