I have spent a lot of time in and out of doctors' offices in preparation for my trip to South America. The process of getting the right vaccines for international travel is really an individual process--no one, medical professional or otherwise, can tell you exactly what to do. I consulted the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization's websites for what I thought was a complete listing of shots. However, some of these were designated as "required" or "recommended," but I wasn't quite sure what that meant. If a shot is just recommended, how do I know if I should get it or not? What criteria do I use to make that decision?
This dilemma presented itself to me with the yellow fever vaccine. I made a list of everywhere I thought I might go on my trip, and the yellow fever shot was recommended for one spot I was planning on going in Argentina. In March, I asked my primary care doctor if I needed the shot-- he said no, you don't need it because you won't be in Africa. I didn't give it a second thought until last week when a student in Buenos Aires I was corresponding with told me not to forget this shot. I did some research and again saw that it was recommended. My departure date was approaching quickly and I didn't know what to do.
After much calling around, I found that the Allen County Health Department would give me the vaccine. It was strange because no one on the phone was able to give me a definitive answer about if I need to be vaccinated. All they could say was that the CDC recommended it-- I knew this already. One location said I needed to schedule another doctor's appointment if I wanted to be "consulted" about the vaccine. I was also informed that about 25% of people who get the yellow fever vaccine have flu-like symptoms for a few days.
My breakthrough came when I spoke with a family friend from Uruguay. She said that I should definitely get the shot because I might need to prove I had it to be allowed in other countries. She explained that when you get the shot, they give you a small yellow book (yellow for yellow fever?) that contains the shot date so you can show customs officials you're vaccinated. This tries to prevent people from carrying the disease between countries. She told me that she keeps this booklet stapled to her passport so she always has it with her.
If the vaccination process for yellow fever is organized this well, I figured it was serious and that I should be vaccinated. I got my very own yellow book today, in which the nurse at the Health Department noted the lot or batch of the vaccination, which I think is for tracking purposes should there be a problem. She reviewed all my other shots and gave me lots of information about yellow fever and malaria prevention. Even though I'm in minor pain and can't lift my arms above my head, I'm glad I'm prepared and vaccinated.