Yellow Fever, Typhus, and Malaria. Oh My.
Passed my comprehensive exams. That was hanging over my head for a while and it feels genuinely good to have it done. One less thing to stress about before departure.
Now for the fun part. And by fun I mean needles.
The Medical Checklist
Getting to Rwanda requires more medical prep than most trips. Here's where things stand.
Done
- Yellow fever vaccine. Required for entry. You get a certificate after the shot that you carry with your passport. Good for life, so at least this one's done forever.
- Typhus vaccine. Not required but strongly recommended. Better to have it.
- Antibiotics prescription. General antibiotic for traveler's illness. Hoping not to need it.
- Malaria prevention. Rwanda is in a malaria zone. Got a prescription for antimalarial meds — you start before you leave, take them throughout the trip, and continue a few weeks after you're home.
Still To Do
- Hepatitis A and B vaccines. Recommended for East Africa. Need to schedule these soon — some require multiple doses with time between them.
- Tdap booster. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. My last one was long enough ago that it's time.
Other Logistics
Beyond the medical prep, the major pieces are in place. Flights booked. Accommodations confirmed. Passport renewed with time to spare. It's starting to feel real.
Also want to say thanks to everyone who donated through GoFundMe. The support means a lot. Six weeks to go.
