Low cost vaccinations for Americans?

davidp80

Hi everyone,

I am considering waiting until I arrive in Delhi to get the vaccinations that I'll need for my trip, but I am also still considering getting them at home, budget permitting....

So, my question is: Where can I get the neccessary vaccinations at a low cost. I've done quite a bit of research online, and made quite a few phonecalls.....and the prices are typically in the $300-$400 range for what I'm looking for (granted I am also including yellow fever, since I'll be moving onto Mali after leaving India).

I've heard of some administering their own vaccinations, having bought the neccessary vaccine from an independent supplier of some sort. This might be a particularly good option for me, since I work with a handful of nurses that would be more than happy to measure doses and administer the injections. I've heard of others using their local County Health Departments, but mine doesn't offer any kind of a discounted price from what I can tell.

If you've managed to get around all of this somehow, please share your story with me. I'm from central Pennsylvania, and am willing to travel within the near vicinity of surrounding states if neccessary to save a bit of money. Any ideas? Thanks everyone,

-Dave

Sama

what I have suggested here before is to try your county's health dept. I am near Chicago and I can go to the next county and get travel shots for mucho less $$$$. for example, a friend of mine went to the Amazon and got a yellow fever shot there for $12. Not all county health depts. in my area have those specific meds tho, so you might have to call around.

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Darmabum

waiting until you get to India could be risky, considering that some of the vaccinations take time to soak in . . . some may require multiple injections, spaced over a week or so.
What are you considering for vaccinations?
Last time I went I got the Hep vaccination, made sure my Tetanus was up to date and yellow fever(?) I think . . . realizing I was going to be there during monsoon. I took no malaria meds.

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davidp80

Thanks Yogagal. I did try calling my County Health Department, and the prices were in the range of all other health care providers charge: Generally in the $60-$90 range for each shot. I should try calling around a few more counties.Just out of curiosity, could you give me the details of where your friend from the shots for "mucho less $$$$$"
Perhaps I'm in for a trip to Illinois.....

Thanks,

-Dave

Sama

DuPage County Health Dept.

davidp80

Hey Darmabum,

Thanks for taking an interest in my posts lately You're right, waiting until I got to Delhi definitely would be risky. I would, however, already be fully vaccinated against Hepatitis A (I've received one of the two doses already, and intend to get the second before departing), but would need the full doses of Polio, Typhoid, and eventually Yellow Fever (for my post India travels). I know that Typhoid is contracted through contaminated food or water, so this would be my primary concern. I've already collected the relevant details about getting all of this done in Delhi....but, I'd prefer to get everything out of the way before departing, just to be on the safe side. It's just so expensive!

I'd love to hear about those who have purchased the vaccinations themselves, and had them administered on their own by someone 'in the know.' Where can I find suppliers of this sort?

Thanks,

-Dave