Today was my immunization day or as I like to call it
D-Day. I have been dreading these vaccinations from the time I made the appointment in June. I knew that I needed six immunizations and I usually shy away from pain or needles. In fact, I have never really faced any severe pain, so the thought of getting this immunizations has been haunting my dreams. I tried to argue with my doctor about the necessity of all of these vaccines, but he was very persuasive. If so many people live without them, can't I? I guess not. So I arrived at the office in plenty of time and proudly announced my name and appointment time. The lady told me I did not have my appointment on the record books. I assured her I did have an appointment and started filling out the paperwork. She proceeded to tell me they were out of the the typhoid vaccine which I told her was no big deal because I was getting the oral vaccine anyway. She told me that the doctor wasn't in the office today, but that she could call for approval of the oral vaccine. I sat down and filled out the paperwork. When I returned the paperwork to the other receptionist, she asked me if I was sure that I had an appointment and I told her that I did and even received a reminder call. Apparently Barnes Travel Care does not provide reminder calls and she told me to double check if I was in the right place. I realized about a minute later that I was in the wrong place. You see, vaccines are very expensive and when I found out I needed a million of them, I started investigating prices. I called several places and changed appointments when I found cheaper prices. So, after a dose of humble pie and admitting to the ladies that I was a disaster, I called the St. Louis County Health Department and realized that I had missed my appointment with them. Barnes Travel Care is in the city off Manchester and the county health place was in south county about 20 minutes away. The representative said she could still take me, so I hopped in my car and headed over to the correct place. Once there I was ushered into a little office and spent about half of an hour talking with the nurse and making sure I had all of the appropriate vaccines lined up. Then I paid for the vaccines (which was $389) and went back to receive my vaccines. When I came back to the office, the nurse had this lined up for me:
The vaccines on the left went into my left arm and the right in my right arm. The nurse said she wanted to share the wealth! I have to say the nurse was fabulous. She mixed humor with pain while delivering the vaccines lightening fast. The oral typhoid vaccine seems to have a few more steps, but I couldn't fathom receiving another injection. My arms already feel like they are going to fall off. In the end, I got the following:
After the appointment I received a my CDC vaccination pamphlet that is required to apply for my visa. Apparently this is a BIG deal. The last photo is the biggie because it is the "official" vaccination stamp. I can't apply for my visa nor get into Uganda without it. I also received information on traveler's diarrhea and what to eat/not eat. I guess fresh fruits and vegetables are off limits as well as meat that is not cooked well done, but when I told the nurse I was going to be there for 10 months, she told me to follow the guidelines for at least the first month. She also informed me that I might get flu-like systems in 7-10 days for the yellow fever vaccine and the same symptoms for the typhoid vaccine once I start it. So, basically I am going to have the flu for two weeks just in time for my month of vacation...awesome!
After my immunizations, I went to Walgreens to get passport photos and then to the post office to apply for my visa. I placed my passport, vaccination record, passport photos, $50 money order, and application in the envelope along with an express envelope for them to return my documents back to me. I felt anxious about sending my passport to the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, D.C., but it was a necessary evil. I love having a passport. I have always had a passport. Even when I changed my name several times, I still applied for a new passport each time. Yes it was expensive, but the opportunity to travel whenever I felt like it was priceless! I should receive my shiny, new visa sometime next week. Things are getting real!!
