Health Information - Immunizations

Dr. Eggebrecht is the medical person for our trip. He has researched recommended immunizations and other medical information for the team. If you have any questions about what immunizations you need, please check with him or your personal doctor. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) looks at the diseases that are most prevalent when recommending immunizations for travel to other countries, and Dr. Eggebrecht used this site to learn about what is currently suggested for travel to Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

1. There are some immunizations that are suggested to get for travel to Jamaica this spring. Please look into these early so that you have time to get this taken care of.

2. At the last meeting in Jan., everyone was also given an explanation of vaccinations and other important health information. Here are the highlights. If you want another copy, let Meghan know. I can email documents to you.

3. Immunizations for Jamaica in 2009: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid

4. Routine: Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. **Make sure tenanus shot is current as we will be doing construction work**

5. Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.

Info about Hep A vaccine: This is a 2 shot series. The first must be received at least 2 weeks before the trip and the second is to be received 6-12 months later. Hepatitis A vaccine is offered through Berrien County Health Department in Benton Harbor for $30 for adults (over 18 years old), $12 for children (thru 18 years old) if there is no insurance coverage or $30 for children with insurance coverage. This fee is charged for each shot of the series. You may schedule an appointment for Mondays from 9-11:30 am. The Niles office of the Berrien County Health Department is open for immunizations by appointment from 9-11:30. They may also have some evening appointments 4-7 pm on January 16. Call Dawn Ford at 684-2800 to schedule. The Hartford office of the Van Buren County Health Department is open for immunizations on Thursdays from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm. No appointment necessary. They recommend getting the immunizations from your own doctor if you have insurance coverage for them. If you have Medicaid, they charge $3. With no insurance coverage, they ask $20 for each injection of the Hepatitis A.


6. Hepatitis B: Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission, especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

7. Typhoid: Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in the Caribbean, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.

Info about Typhoid Vaccine: Not available from the Berrien County Health Department, but it is from Scripts Pharmacy. It is $80 for the oral which is given as a pill every other day for 4 doses. It must be completed at least 1 week ahead. It is good for 5 years. It is a LIVE preparation. The injectable is $80 + a $35 administration fee. It must be done at least 2 weeks ahead. It is good for 2 years.
From University Medical Specialties: They will give it to established patients meaning that you would have to have a "travel" appt. with the nurse practitioner (~$75) to receive either the oral or the injectable. If you choose the injectable, they would then waive the administration fee. Their fee is $68 for either.