I checked out the CDC website today to find out what vaccines I need before going to Belize (nothing like waiting until the last minute!). I need a few vaccines and anti-malaria prescription.
| Vaccination or Disease | Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases |
|---|---|
| Routine | Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. |
| Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) | Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with “standard” tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Typhoid | Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Mexico and Central America, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water. |
| Rabies | Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians), for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites. |
Well, I did go to my doctor in CA before I left and got the first round of Hepatitis, but never went back for the follow up (um, I was kinda driving through Wisconsin or something at the time).
So, right now I am getting ready to go to a new doc in MD that will hopefully give me an anti-Malaria prescription, but I may also need Typhoid and Rabies! Ouch. Wish me luck!
Lunch was my PB&J courtesy of Ben 🙂 Good job babe!
and a lot of fruit and carrots…
Now I’m off to the doctor… Actually, I am not normally this responsible. Ben and I went to Costa Rica 2 years ago and barely remembered to bring bug spray and we were fine. Ignorance is bliss.
I wouldn’t worry too much. I haven’t gotten any extra shots either time I’ve gone. You are going to have a fabulous time. I can’t wait until February when I get to go again!
That’s a lot of shots!! Good luck – it will be worth it.
Belize will definitely be worth the shots! I hope you have a lovely time!
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just take pills instead of having to get shots? We want to travel to Trinidad and Tobago next year and I’m already worried about having to get them!
Good luck!
your trip is sooo close! eeek! is that raisin bread for your sandwich? YUM
I’m sure you know this all by now if you’ve been to the doctor, but don’t worry about the rabies–they don’t give that in this country unless you’re actually bit–I guess there is a vaccine shortage (at least that was what I was told by my local travel medicine office). I’m going to Botswana and South Africa in a few weeks and the CDC had the same indications for that area. I was able to get an oral typhoid pill rather than a shot–Bonus! The others I already had, but the hepatitis shots aren’t a bad bet to have just in general.
I hate shots. They always freak me out! Looks like Ben did a great job on your sandwich!
Ouchy! How excitign for your trip though! Lunch looks gorgeous today 🙂
Who would have thought you would need all those shots for Belize. I would have packed my bikini and thought I was all set to go!
I am sure all those shots are well worth it though for a perfect honeymoon!
I don’t mind going to get shots, in fact that where I’m going in a couple of minutes to become a nurse! I grew up with getting my blood taken ever year for my thyroid condition!
Have fun in Belize, can’t wait to see some beautiful pictures!
i probably wouldn’t go! i hate needles so much. be brave!!!
Ouchie, Ouchie! I remember getting a bunch of shots when I went to Brazil. They had to give me one in the hiney (my biggest muscle) and it hurt like H3LL!