Typhoid Vaccinations

Alexyss (4) and Nojah (6) awaiting their first plane ride to Thailand. October 2006

Yesterday we all got our Typhoid vaccines in preparation for our trip to Central America. Typhoid is caused by a bacteria, usually spread from contaminated food, water, unsanitary conditions, etc. It causes symptoms such as poor appetite, headaches, aches and pains, fever, lethargy, and my favorite while traveling DIARRHEA.

We had ordered the vaccines about 2 1/2 weeks ago and the kids were believe it or not excited to have them done. Yes the public health employee's thought we were odd. Anyway, I had class yesterday so I went in early for my injection and then the kids went to in with Tob after school and from what I understand there was fighting............ "over who got to go first" :0) and since Nojah got to go first last time, Lex got to go first this time. They both said the shots "stung" but they were tough and got a drink and candy afterwards for their bravery. So all was well until last night about 3-4 hours after the injection when they realized it now hurt like H@%%. So we placed ice packs on their little arms and gave them some Motrin as little tears were streaming down their faces. I laid with Alexyss in bed for a little while as she proceeded to ask "why do we have to go on a trip that long?" "I don't wanna go for 2 reasons mama". "The shots hurt" and (as the crying becomes more hysterical) "I don't get to have valentines day and it's my FAVORITE holiday". Oh, the horrible parents we are for not thinking of that a year in advance. They aren't up yet this morning but my arm still hurts so theirs will too I am sure. Better go awaken the little buggers to see what lies ahead.