Ouch!

Check off the vaccinations! I went to the Health Department this afternoon for what I thought were going to be my tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines. The boys were interested in seeing Mommy get shots for a change.

I had called the nurses earlier in the week to schedule an appointment, so I wouldn't have to wait, but the one I spoke with just told me to come in. But when I came in, I had to take a number as if I were at a deli counter and wait until called. I was number 53!

The boys and I waited for about 40 minutes and then I went back for the shots. We heard babies cry through the doors, and Parker knew what was going on as he had his 5 year old shots not too long ago. Then it was my turn to go in.

I sat and spoke with the nurse about my destination and the recommendation for shots. When I told her about needing tetanus, she tried to get me to take the DTaP which also would protect me from whooping cough! No thank you. I was not willing to shell out the extra $20 for something that I could just as easily catch at home...I wanted to be covered for the different stuff. So just tetanus, please.

When I mentioned needing the hepatitis A vaccine, it was only then that I learned the shot takes 4 weeks to kick in!! So I could pay for the vaccine, go on the trip, contract hep A and the vaccine would be useless. The nurse and I both figured it would be a waste to get it now. So I didn't. I will just be a little more cautious about the ice cubes and dairy.

I then asked her about the measles since I had heard there were regional outbreaks and I had only one vaccine. The nurse felt it would be an important one for me to take as protection in addition to bringing me up to date. So I decided to get the MMR vaccine too.

As the nurse prepared for me tetanus and MMR vacs, I smiled to the boys, their eyes wide in anticipation. Both of them huddled close to me, focusing intently on the syringe as it approached my arm. They were worried. Parker asked me if I was going to be ok. :-)

The tetanus was injected - no problem. It didn't hurt and I was smiling to the boys. They thought I was pretty tough. But the MMR - OUCH!!! It stung and hurt like crazy. The nurse said that one was always the bad one - it is the one they give the kids last that makes them cry so much. I gave a sympathetic glance to Parker remembering well how on his last shot he had lost his cool.

Bandaged and officially inoculated for my travel, the boys followed me to the check out station. Devin asked if my arm hurt too much, it was touching how they tried to soothe me. I assured them I was fine and then went to pay my bill!

Two injections = $80!
Ouch!

At least it is over with.

Next on my list...travel insurance.