You shot me! You shot me in the arm!

So. Preparations for this trip involves a lot of new experiences. So are good. Some…not so much. Like shots. Just an FYI…I. Hate. Needles. Some may argue that I have tattoos so it can’t be too bad…no. Let me tell you that it doesn’t count. First of all…I hated every second of that experience. Exhibit A:


Second of all, for some odd reason, I don’t see a needle puncturing the skin…so it makes it better…but not by much. Thirdly, and most importantly, there are no live viruses inside a tattoo gun…but more on that later.

Anyways….I had to get these vaccinations…Yellow Fever, Polio, Typhoid, Hep A, and a Malaria treatment. I called my doctor to set up an appointment for said shots. Apparently these vaccinations are not in high demand here in the states, so I was redirected to a travel clinic in Jacksonville. I psyched myself to get this thing done during spring break…I was ready, so I called the clinic…only to be told that these items are in limited quantity (whaaaaat?!), therefore I would have to wait until May. Ugh. I have to reflect (and dread) this experience longer????
It’s finally May…I set up my appointment on an early release Wednesday since I have to drive to Jacksonville to do this thing. Already stressed, I was driving along…and it happened. I got lost.

Guess that gives the doctor more time to sharpen their best needle:



When I got there…the room was decorated like Africa. The nurse spoke with me for over an hour…Any food is going to make me sick unless it’s steaming. The water will make me sick. The kids will make me sick. O. M. G. I’m going to freakin’ die! So we are talking about the shots…Apparently, Typhoid is offered as a pill instead of a shot (yes please)…She hands me a pamphlet with a smiling pill on it. “Vaccination in a Capsule.” No needle? I’m smiling too!
…but then I find out that the Yellow Fever and Typhoid are live virus vaccinations. Here’s the issue with that. I have not been able to get many vaccinations (live virus) because I went deaf in one ear from one. Crap. I’m not worried about the needle anymore.
So the nurse goes behind the curtains to prepare the shots. I asked her…so what happens if you don’t get the vaccinations and cannot present the papers? She comes back around the curtain and explains that the other vaccinations are strongly recommended…but yellow fever isn’t really cured. Even here. They will give you one (probably with a reused needle) at the border, which we don’t want to do.
So I finally get my shots…then she hands me a prescription for the malaria pills. She explains them. Start taking them two days before you leave…the whole time you are there…and seven days after you return. They give vivid dreams (score! Can I start taking them now?) . So now all I have left is taking the live virus typhoid (every other night four times…can’t have anything for hours before and hours after…maybe I should have manned up and gotten the shot).
So. I have been a wreck…worrying about needles. Worrying about losing my hearing completely. But. Shots are done (except for Hep A)…and I am jamming out to music as I write this…so. The worst of the preparations are over. Next hurdle? Being ready. I have no idea what/how to pack.