The dreaded time is here—time to discuss immunizations. Since my childhood shots weren’t anything I concerned myself with at the time, I didn’t really anticipate facing this issue until the faraway future when I have children of my own (although I do already dread the difficulty of those choices). It has dawned on me, however, that vaccinations are an important aspect of considering international travel.
Well, I guess it isn’t a big deal to some. Apparently when people are unsure whether they’ve been immunized in the past, some would rather just go ahead and get shot up with a nice extra dose of unnecessary and downright frightening ingredients (live or dead virus, maybe some human or animal DNA, and possibly some other fun things like mercury) than have a titer done since they “have to pay for the titer anyway”. Or, as my dear father recommended, to prevent having to be stuck twice with a needle.
Others may be slightly more skittish and prefer a little more information before deciding whether or not to get a vaccine. Unfortunately this is one of those topics where the more information you read, the harder the decision becomes. The truth is, there are some definite pros and cons to either decision. If I suffer a negative effect from a vaccine (not to mention effects that may not be apparent) I will be wishing I had opted out. If I forego the Typhoid vaccine and contract Typhoid Fever on my travels, I’ll certainly be kicking myself. I was just reading another travel blog I came across where the author came down with malaria though he was taking the anti-malaria pills. I guess all a person can really do is weigh the personal risks and advantages, make a decision, and don’t look back. And fortunately, the decisions I make for myself now aren’t nearly as agonizing as they will be when I’m making them for my child someday.
So I've scheduled my appointment at the health clinic, and I’m going to get a few of those recommended shots. But I’ve decided against the Rabies. So if on my journey I end up getting bitten by a rabid bat or some kind of stray coyote… well, then, I have freakishly bad luck.
What’s your take on vaccinations?
7 comments:
I say Nay to the Typhoid vaccine, and Yay to the rabies. Knowing you, you'll probably be doing some kind of desert spelunking and run into a colony of rabid bats. Don't coddle your child-like immune system. ;)
yeah i gotta agree with JB here about the colony of rabid bats - i wouldn't wanna mess with chance Carlie...
hi carlie..thats a great post on vaccines..especially certains countries the vaccines are important to take..guess we can easily decide if we know why /what vaccine is mandatory. would like your comments too
Yeah! It is very important as a protection especially in places where there is an outbreak. Good luck to your travel.
You've got a nice travel blog and you did a very good start. It is very rare to find an artist and a passionate lover of the law rolled into a bird lady. I think, your blog is a gem because your initial entries were beautifully written. Keep writing and I'll keep coming back. Have a nice day!
Hi carlie , i am back, how r you? please visit my latest post and accept my request to do a special- turban squash “GUEST POST” for me ok.. I will be so grateful if you agree. Have a nice day and happy blogging
hi carlie, blog walking. thought you might have a new post..this is my second visit. will visit you from time to time. love the so cute bird up there.
anyway, my first guest blogger had posted his cartoon quip. very nice and looking forward to your comment too and may be you would want to follow his blog :) have a nice day
Thanks Wan, the cute bird is my pet parrot. He is incredible! I've been busy lately with law school exams, but expect more posts in a few weeks when I head out to Lebanon!
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