Thursday 25 July 2013

Vaccinations....

I have had 2 of my vaccinations. The first appointment was a bit eventful .. I turned up thinking I was just going to be told what I needed to have and when I should have them. Because I have been to The Gambia before I have already had all of the vaccinations, so I knew that I would need some boosters but I was unsure of which. 
So, I arrived and was immediately told I was having a blood test! Ahh! Then I was told I needed typhoid and they had 1 left in the fridge and once that was gone they couldn't order any more for a couple months. Decisions - do I have it there and then or what and risk it not being there later ?
I decided to just have it there and then, I needed to have it so lets just get it over and done with. 
So... She takes one lot of blood, then realises she needs another canister thing which she didn't get out the cupboard. I never ever look a injections or needles in my arm- it doesn't bother me I just can't watch. However, on this occasion I decided I wanted to get over this and have a look, so I was watching the blood come out of my arm and into the little tube. She then asks me to hold the tube whilst she leaves the room to get the 2nd canister. Not a good idea ! She completed the second blood test and I immediately got a temperature and started to feel very faint. This resulted in me lying on the bed feet in the air, and the nurse injecting the typhoid vaccination into my arm whilst in this position! I felt very very stupid ! 

A week later the blood test results came back, and I was told I needed a booster of hep b. 
I got very confused... The nurse told me that the level in my blood should be 100.. In my blood it was 12! And she said in some countries 12 is okay but she gave it to me anyway. 100 to 12 is a very big jump, but I don't understand the terminology and all that so just didn't say anything. I have to go back in September for another blood test to check my immunity. That injection cost me £30 so I very much hope they don't make me pay again for another one !! 

Hopefully that is it injection wise! I am still covered and up to date with all the others. Yey!

She also prescribed me my malaria tablets. I am having malarone, which I take 2 days before I go, whilst there and 1 week when I come back. I need to shop around different places to find the cheapest for those.. So I will update when I find that and buy them :)

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