Job Discussion Forums

[doreenp]

I'm planning on being in Mexico by the spring of next year. I've been talking with my Dr. who seems to think that the Hep A & B shots are all I need. I've been on three different web sites and have three different opinions and i'd rather be safe than sorry, but i don't want to put something into my body that isn't necessary (unless it causes me to smile alot!)
So, my question is , does any one know what is necessary. The basics are Hep A & B, Typhoid, malaria and yellow fever...am i missing anything?

d.

[lozwich]

As far as I know, you don't need yellow fever for Mexico. Its necessary for other parts of Latin America though. I didn't like that one at all. Turned me pale yellow for a day and I felt sick and urky.

I didn't bring any malaria stuff with me. My theory is that I don't want to be on that for ever, so I'll take medicine if I get malaria. Which I can get from a hospital. When I am in malaria-y places, I use insect repellent, also to prevent dengue.

I had 3 rabies shots. They weren't strictly necessary, but having had close calls with monkeys in the past, I decided to get them because "if" I got exposed to rabies the treatment is particularly nasty. You can get one big powerful rabies shot (which sometimes doesn't work anyway) or 3 reduced strength shots over a few months and then a blood test (which is free where I come from) which tests the efficacy. The 3 reduced strength ones are cheaper for the actual injection, but you have to go back to the doctor to get them.

Have a great time! My doctor has a bowl of jelly beans beside the injection area, which somehow makes it all worthwhile...

Lozwich.

[MELEE]

This is copied from our Employment FAQ:

Do I need any vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for Mexico. Hepatitis A and B are good ideas. The Cholera vaccination is less than 50% effective and cholera can be avoided by employing good hygiene and careful eating practices. A typhoid vaccination might also be a good idea; we did have one teacher get typhoid a couple of years ago, it can be very hard to shake. There is no malaria in the area, so anti-malarials are not needed. There is dengue but unfortunately there is no vaccination for that. The best precaution is to sleep under a mosquito net, which are widely available here, and keep water storage tanks covered. There is no Yellow Fever in Mexico. Of course all the regular vaccinations should be up to date, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Tetanus, and Diphtheria.

I want to add that there are some regions of Mexico where malaria presents a problem (principally the low land areas of Chiapas).

[KerriKP]

I didn't have any shots before going to Mexico. The worst problem I had in the five years I was there was an infection caused by the strep virus that appears in areas of poor circulation.

[fat_chris]

What shots are necessary?

If you intend to play basketball, then you'll definitely need a jump shot. A hook shot is great but it is for the advanced. And when you need points in a hurry, step behind the arc for the three point shot.

And don't forget that Japanese Elephantitis shot.

[doreenp]

and i was hoping the only shots i'd need would be a few good ones of tequila !