Vaccines and Medications
Most people go the ITG (Institute of Tropical Medicine) for informations regarding vaccines and medications. A few years ago, when I went to South America, I did the same. They are very professional and you get the shots on the spot. (TIP: bring something to read as waiting time can be quite long, 1-2 hours waiting time is no exeption) If you want to spend your time better, than just go to there website. Look up your destination and you’ll get a list of needed vaccines. Print it out, go to your regular doctor who will prescibe you the vaccines, make a second appointment and get your shots. For the countries that I’m visiting I checked if I needed these shots:
* Tetanus
Even for a non-traveler it’s recommended to take this shot. I had one in 2004, a booster vaccine is recommeded every 10 years, so I’ll get mine when I come back in 2014 (1shot +/- 8€)
* Hepatitis A
A must for Asia! 2 shots and you’re protected for over 20 years! So why not doing it? I did it in 2003-2004. (1shot +/- 45€)
* Hepatitis B
Recommended for Laos. 2 shots before departure with 1month between both, and a 3rd shot 6 months ofter the 2nd one. (1shot +/- 27€)
* Typhoid
A 2nd must have vaccine! According to Wikipedia, Typhoid is a common worldwide bacterial disease transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person. Locals built up resistance to this disease and can drink tap water or eat raw veggies and fruit rinsed with tap water, often without being ill. But as a traveler you are not, so precaution is needed. (1shot +/- 26€)
* Japanese Encephalitis
This disease is carried by mosquitoes and is most prevalent in SE-Asia and the Far-East. Yep, exactly the places where I’m heading to. I doubted long for this one as you’ll need 2 shots before departure and a follow-up one after 1-2 year AND it will cost you all together about 250€! So I’ve been ‘googling’ and turns out that the chances of getting contracted is quite low if you’re not staying for long periods in rural areas. I decided NOT to take them. But I WILL DEET up, wear lighter colours, long sleeves and trousers as a protection.
* Rabies
I could of course get the 3 pre exposure vaccines. But If I just avoid touching streetdogs and refrain myself hard 😉 to not touch an animal corpse, I believe I can do without those shots. I couldn’t find a price on the ITG website, so I guess they are not cheap
* Dengue
Dengue fever is largely spread in SE-Asia. There are no vaccines against it. Only precautions are anti-mosquito repellents and long sleeves and trousers.
* Malaria
Who doesn’t know these killer mosquitos?! And here are some areas in SE-Asia where they could find you so just to be prepared I’ll take some Malarone tablets with me. No need to buy them new from the pharmacy..there are always travelers who have some left, just ask around! But don’t forget to check the expiration date! My brother and another friend of mine had some left from there trip, so it didn’t cost me much. 😀 Take 1 tablet before entering the malaria area untill 7 days after leaving that area. 
Other things that are on my travel medical kit checklist: – Diarrhoea relief (Loperamide) – Motillium- Travel sickness med (Touristil)- Insect repellent (Care Plus Bio)- Pain, cold and flu med (melt tablets Dafalgan)- Assorted plasters (against wounds,blisters,…)- Sun protection/aftersun- Ear plugs (very important!) I’m prepared! 😆
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