I was given a list of vaccinations for Nepal: typhoid, hepatitis A&B, Japanese encephalitis, malaria (in Terai).
Here's some advice:
- Start your shots a month ahead of time. You will need 21 days for the hepatitis A & B which is a series of three shots, 1, 7, 21 days. By the way, it's about $70 per shot. I won't have time for the 3rd shot before I leave but my Doctor recommends getting the third shot when I come back.
- I had all perscriptions filled at the pharmacy except for the Japanese encephalitis. The Typhoid shot had to be ordered, which only took a day. It's cheaper going to your doctor than a travel clinic. The doctor charges $10 for the injection.
- I'm not an expert but I would recommend thinking twice about getting the Japanese encephalitis, unless you will be in Nepal for more than a month. It's insanely expensive ($600) and the travel doctor thought it would be nuts..and it would have to be ordered in. I didn't get the shot. This is not something you can get through your regular doctor and pharmacy.
- Malaria is not 100% necessary but recommended if going to Terai. I hope to go to Terai so I got some pills. There are different pills you can buy. I splurged on the expensive Maleron that you take everyday. Super expensive ($5/pill) but less chance of going squirrely with hallucinations. Also found out that the Leave for Change program doesn't cover Maleron. Lesson learned, read the fine print.
- Check out this useful website for vaccination details: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationList.aspx#N
If anyone asks...and for some reason I was asked...about Typhoid Mary, tell them she was a cook in the early 1900's who infected a lot of people with Typhoid. She was a carrier and was in denial so did nothing to prevent spreading the disease: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoid_Mary
