The first step to preparing for the trip to Nicaragua is making sure that we ourselves are properly vaccinated so we can perform our jobs without putting ourselves at risk! The most important for us, and also the most expensive, will be the Rabies vaccine. We will receive 3 injections, at $210 a shot, $630 total. That's a small price to pay to avoid Rabies! We are in contact with our insurance companies, to see if there is some way to get this vaccine covered, but will have to pay up-front, as the Health Department does not accept any insurance plans.
If you are traveling any time soon, check out the Center for Disease Control at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Routine ~ Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) ~ Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B ~ Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Typhoid ~ Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Mexico and Central America, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Rabies ~ Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking. Also recommended for travelers with significant occupational risks (such as veterinarians), for long-term travelers and expatriates living in areas with a significant risk of exposure, and for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats, carnivores, and other mammals. Children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals, may receive more severe bites, or may not report bites.
So far, we've determined we are up to date on routine vaccines, received the Hepatitis vaccines, started the Typhoid live vaccine pills and will be starting Rabies soon....wish us luck!
