Thread: Vaccinations

I probably shouldnt ask this - but i will...

Has anyone had the Yellow Fever jab?

I am having one tonight and have a huge fear of needles....am i going to pass out?

I need the truth though - is it a biggie? (i am comparing it to the TB jab we had at school!)

Any side effects?

*cries*

I am SUCH a girl.

Had yellow fever - it's not huge.

Just a quick pinch and that's it!

Shut your eyes and turn away and you'll be fine xx

Really not that bad. Doesn't hurt that much when you have it done, arm hurt a little bit afterwards but will be fine tomorrow.

I am a complete wimp with needles (faint most of the time when I see one) and was fine.

Its certainly better than a) having yellow fever or b) Not being allowed into countries cos you've been to Kenya and didn't have the jab!

Thanks so much. Xxx I'm not so scared now x

Just think though EB - having this jab means you're nearly going on Safari! How exciting is that?!?!?!

Hope it went OK - I've lived in Africa for the past 4 years, so have to be jabbed regularly, and Yellow fever is one of the least painful! and it lasts for years and years, which is a huge bonus!

Where are you going on safari if I may ask?

Originally Posted by hazysummer

Hope it went OK - I've lived in Africa for the past 4 years, so have to be jabbed regularly, and Yellow fever is one of the least painful! and it lasts for years and years, which is a huge bonus!

Where are you going on safari if I may ask?

Going to Kenya...masa Mara I think!
I didn't have my jabs last night the surgery hadn't booked us enough time so we had the consultation and I go back in 2 weeks to have my jabs! Just 2 needed my yellow fever and a duo hep a and typhoid top up! Also need malaria tablets and also consider rabies and menegitus...both cost a lot though so need to assess the risk levels.

Thanks to everyone who commented on here I appreciate it x

If you can afford it Elle go for the lot. You are worth so much more than the price of a jab. At least that way you know you would be completely covered.

Yellow fever jab was o.k. It was compulsory when I worked for KLM.


Not long now !!!!

The costs are really high - so will have to read up and make an informed decision. The cost for these (rabies and menegitis) is over £200 each.

The Yellow Fever is highly recommended (i dont think i would be let in the country not covered) and its £45 each.

Malaria medication is about £70 each.

Its interesting that the travel agents 'skirt' over these costs!!! hehe! x

Yellow Fever and Malaria are definite musts - not only will they not let you in to Kenya without Yellow Fever, you won't get into a number of other countries after you've been there unless you have the certificate (attach it to your passport). Malaria is a no brainer for Africa in general, and its no fun if you get it - my grandad caught it in Malaysia when there in the army and still gets bouts of it 40 years on. Plus the mosquitos in Kenya don't come into your room through little gaps - they frickin knock on the door they are so big. I was lucky enough to only be bitten once in 3 weeks, my OH got eaten alive!

Rabies is different - keep away from the animals and don't get bitten by any and you should be okay. Not sure about Menigitis - we were never advised to have that when we went, but that was 10 years ago.

Agree with Kingleds re the rabies. Meningitis depends on the time of year you are going - in the dry season it gets dispersed airborne so you can catch it by breathing!

Take anti malarials
Take TROPICAL strength insect repellant - Boots do one, you need 40% DEET - don't think that homeopathic / citronella will help - don't get more than 40% deet though as it melts things - seriously.
Don't buy the local stuff, as it often comes from China - who knows whats in it

Take a can of insect spray from home for the first nights - spray under the bed, and behind cupboards / mirrors etc before you go out for dinner, buy local after that, or if you are in a reasonable hotel they often provide a can

oh and by the way mosquitos can and do bite THROUGH linen, as do the tsetse (bite like a horsefly - painful)

take a fleece as it can get cold especially if you go on an early morning game drive

take snacks from UK - even if they are non-SW ones, sometimes meal schedules get a bit wonky on safari, and its difficult to appreciate the wildlife when your stomach growls

I'm sure you will have a magical experience though - Kenya is a lovely country, haven't been to the Mara, but going on safari is always special

Good advice on the insect repellent - you can't be too careful with that over there - and the fleece - I froze when we went to treetops cos I didn't. And hang your shoes up on the wardrobe rail rather than leaving them on the floor - and shake them before you put them on in the morning!!! Make sure no creepies have got in!

Don't leave your windows open at all when you're out of your room cos the monkey get in and they are kleptos

OMG you lot are scaring me!!! Good tips though - thanks!!! Be happy when we fly to Zanzibar and its less 'roughing it' on Safari! hehe! x

If I could spare 400 squids for you to have your jecki's you would have it tomorrow Elle.

It might seem over the top but I would go for it and I normally sail through life by the seat of my pants taking every chance in the book but this is just too real to ignore.

Speak to your doctor or practice nurse and see what they recommend.

Originally Posted by fillymum

If I could spare 400 squids for you to have your jecki's you would have it tomorrow Elle.

It might seem over the top but I would go for it and I normally sail through life by the seat of my pants taking every chance in the book but this is just too real to ignore.

Speak to your doctor or practice nurse and see what they recommend.

I had the chat with the nurse last night - she was a darling!

She recommends YF, and the malaria meds. The said the Rabies and Meng, was up to me - they say it depends on where you go and what you do - and i should make an informed decision. I have lots of time (she said i was good at planning!) and that i should read the literature she gave me and take it from there!

x