injections needed for Goa

yes, you're right, it's not for a lifetime, it's recommended to do it every 10 years once adult. I assumed it's known for fact and that we all keep it up to date. You message sounded like you need to have these shots done before you travel. And for the tetanus, if you didn't do it the past 2-5 years, you have the shot once you arrive in the hospital, even though it's know to last 10 years. I talk from fact. We lived in the Caribbean during 10 years, and I follow you on the fact better prevent that heal. Actually, I am a great activist of prevention medecine.... It's just that IMO, there is a balance between prevention and overmedication. A doctor (and even less a laboratory) will never tell you that you do not need a vaccination. It's supposed to be inoffensive for your body....as far as medecine know (and is willing to admit). But the facts and history show that vaccination isn't that inoffensive to the body and can lead to other heavy disease. After all, both of the docs and laboratories as running a business...... Actually, there is now a scandal in France about one type of vaccination, where a campaign has been held clearly to the benefice of the laboratory. Nothing to do with this thread though... But yet, there is a difference between visiting a country for a few days and living there. For example, all my children got vaccinated against typhoid, even though they were very young, but I would never advice someone to vaccinate a young child against typhoid just because he is going for holiday in a country at risk. I even remember the docs, in France, asking me the reasons why I wanted to vaccinate them. They would have never allow me to do so if it was for holidays. I would be more concerned about the mosquitoes and the disease they can bring, specially Malaria or Dengue. While Dengue is really not nice to have, but rarely deathly and once you have it, it seems you're immunised, Malaria can easily lead to death. None of them have vaccination against them. So yes, as said before, Strong Mosquitoes spray (and check well on the package, that it's for tropical insects or something similar). Once again. It's my own opinion and I am not a doctor. Found this http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/vaccines.htm looks interesting side

I don't think most of these jabs last a lifetime! Also prevention is cheaper and less costly and painful than cure... IMO. Lived in W Africa for many years and always kept them up to date defo wouldn't go to India without them... and believe me India is the back of beyond! <em>edited by nadadanada on 16/02/2011</em>

Don't forget the travel insurance!

Didn't do anything when I went. Diphteria, Tetanos and Polio are the common thing you do while you're child (well in France), so don't think you need an extra shot of that if you've done it while a child. I've done typhoid some years before, because we were living in an area with a lot of cases (and actually got it before from 4galons bottled water that the company sold while not filtering it...). Usually, you get an extra shot of Tetanos once you've cut or injured yourself and there might be a risk of contamination. Why do you want it as a prevention ? Rabbies jab are very painful as far as I know and are done only if there is a high probability of danger. Typhoid : I won't do it. It's worth if you live in this area, but if you're there just for holidays, there is no need. Be sure to eat cooked vegetables and well cooked meat if you're not vegetarian. Try to eat plain food from time to time if you're not used to spices (Good luck...even when I asked for plain rice, I got rice with cinnamon...) Drink water only from closed bottles (I've figured out too late that in our hotel, the water they gave in 1.5l bottles are refilled with "filtred water" (understand water from the tub, eventually with a filter). I didn't get anything more than a "tourista" though.... ETA : I'm not a big fan of vaccination...and not a doctor neither...just a traveler <em>edited by Tiki on 16/02/2011</em>

I also got injections when I went - same ones as nadadanada - I would rather be safe than sorry!

when I went I had * Diphtheria * Tetanus / typhoid * Hepatitis A * Polio done. Not sure if you can have a rabies jab done but probably worth it if possible.

I wouldnt bother, unless you are going to more remote places in India. Just take your mozzie spray and dont tread on anything sharp!

Never had jabs for Goa