Jabs/Immunization on the road

[Bjorn]

Hi,

I'm leaving the UK in less than a week & last minute changed my mind about Rabies and Japanese Encephalitis jabs. Bad news: according to my local travel clinic both these jabs are 3 shots over the course of 1 month.

I'll be travelling through Europe over the course of the next 2 months, going via Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Turkey into Iran. Then silk route into Tajikistan and China.
Has anyone got experience with getting immunizations on the road (privately obviously)? If so: where did you get them, and how much was it.

I'm still not sure if I'll really need them. But better safe than sorry (and a slap in my face for changing my mind last minute!)

Bjorn

[Billy Bunter]

Hi Bjorn, i did london to sydney a couple of years ago with little planning time, so was in the same position as you. I got boosters in Istanbul and then Bangkok. In Istanbul i needed a Rabies and Hep B and just walked into a couple of upmarket looking hotels and eventually one had a number for a private doctor, who they called for me and i went to his surgery, as i remember it was about $40 for both. In BKK i needed Hep A booster and just went to the local hospital and got it done very easilly, although i cant remember how much, i cant remember it being overly expensive. In essence, you can get them on the road but i personally was very picky and careful in ensuring i was getting what i was paying for and that they were using new needles etc, opened in front of you. Hope this helps in some way. William

[markharf]

Yes, the key if you're off the beaten track is to ask at the expensive hotels. They'll have lists of English-speaking doctors who'll take you on short (or no) notice. I've done this throughout Africa and Asia; in the worst cases, I had to buy my own supplies (syringes and vaccines) and return to the doctor for treatment, but this is preferable to not knowing whether drugs are outdated or counterfeit.

I've also tried asking at embassies, but found them less helpful. It's also worth asking UN and NGO workers, but the hotels are best.

Hope that helps.

Mark