We are quite busy with the preparations for our travels. A part of that is, of course, vaccinating. In this blog you will read which vaccinations we’ll have to get, how we are planning on getting them and a little about the costs of vaccinating and malaria pills.
Which vaccinations?
Which vaccinations you should get for what country is really easy to find on the internet. Search for reliable websites, like website from your government or a national health organization. Make sure the information on the website is regularly updated. We found this website very useful but be sure to check if it’s still up to date when you decide to go travelling.You could also contact your GP for more information. He or she can probably redirect you to an organization that knows all about health and traveling.
We are getting the whole package, because we are planning to visit a lot of countries. Better safe than sorry. Last Thursday we already got 5 shots for:
1: Diphtheria, pertussis (whooping couch), tetanus and poliomyelitis
2: Hep A & B
3: Yellow fever4: Typhoid
5: Rabies
Some of these vaccines require two or more shots, with a certain amount of time in between. That’s why we have 2 more rounds of shots to go. Make sure you always start vaccinating at least 6 weeks before your travels. This should give you enough time to get all the vaccinations you need.
With all these vaccinations, we also got a lot of important information about malaria, dengue, and altitude sickness. For malaria, we got a lot of (expensive!) pills to take with us and use when necessary.
We got a cholera stamp in our vaccination passports. This is proof that you are free from cholera. In some countries you need this to be allowed into the country.
We are still trying to figure out if we want the vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis. This is a very rare disease, but also a very serious one. Some insurances don’t cover it.
What does my insurance cover
Of course, insurances and what they cover is different in every country. Make sure you check the costs of all your vaccinations and pills before you get them. If you have a health insurance, check with them which of the vaccinations or pills are covered. Double check for malaria pills and the vaccinations for rabies and Japanese encephalitis, a lot of insurance companies in the Netherlands have special conditions for these, it could be the same in another country. Sometimes you need additional insurance, like we did. Sometimes you need to switch to another insurance company.
If you don’t have insurance, try to calculate if you are better off paying for your vaccinations yourself, or getting an insurance. Don’t forget to ask for the costs of malaria pills, if you need any. These are (in the Netherlands) highly expensive, but also considered very important.
Don’t forget
In some countries you need to prove that you are vaccinated, for example for yellow fever. So don’t forget to bring your vaccination passport on all your travels! Treat it like a real passport; don’t lose it, have it on you at all times and keep it safe.
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