IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS

Before the length of this list scares you off, realize that the greatest danger to traveler's overseas is... not terrorists, disease, wild animals...but traffic accidents. And we're going to a place where there are no cars.

Ecuador is not an inherently unhealthy place. Most of the things on this list, you should and may already be vaccinated against even if you never step outside of Tulsa.

Vaccination Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases(exerted from the CDC website). Note that not all of these are required, but recommended.

Routine: Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, etc.

Yellow Fever: CDC yellow fever vaccination recommendation for travelers to Ecuador who are traveling to areas east of the Andes Mountains. Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic. (we will be east of the Andes).

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water.

Hepatitis B: Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission and who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment, such as for an accident, and for all adults requesting protection from HBV infection. (The chance of contacting Hepatitis is slim, but considering how bad Hepatitis is, prevention makes good sense).

Typhoid: Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to South America, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water.

Rabies: Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas.

Malaria: Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs) You will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing). Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Ecuador and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region. Malaria risk area in Ecuador: Risk in all areas at altitudes below 1,500 m (<4,921 ft). No risk in the city of Quito or the central highland tourist areas. (We will spend about half of our time below this 4,921 ft. level).

End of CDC exert

The two things we are concerned with are Yellow Fever and Malaria. You need the Yellow Fever vaccination and an Anti-Malarial prophylactic drug.

There are some fairly exotic, expensive drugs for Malaria but most people these days just use Doxycycline, a common, cheap anti-biotic. Depending on dosage, age, size, etc...most people have to start taking the antibiotic a few days before leaving, each day during their time out, then for a period of time after returning to the states.

With the exception of the Malaria drugs, all of the vaccination can be obtained from the Tulsa County Health Department. Their main office is over by Driller's Stadium (West of Yale on 15th) 4616 E. 15th St.

TCHD can provide recommendations on which immunizations to receive. Overseas immunizations are available by appointment only, call 918-595-4107. They do require payment at the time of service, cash or check only. Here is their price sheet, copied from the Tulsa County Health Department's website.

TD - Tetanus Diptheria $10
MMR - Measles Mumps Rubella $10
IPV - Polio $10
Hepatitis A (1of 2) $28 each
Hepatitis B (1 of 3) $34 each
Hepatitis A/B (Twinrix) (1 of 3) $49 each
Typhoid Injection $52
Typhoid Oral $42
Yellow Fever $80

I, myself use a place called PIC MED, which specializes in travel immunizations. They're a walk in clinic over at 21st and Garnett.

Do not considered the above information to be authoritative in any sense, or to be medical advice. If you have later, or better info than I have here, please let me know.

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