Introduction
Once you decide you would like to become involved in ministry in Uganda, you should read through the information below and then consult you personal physician and/or local public health department at least seven months prior to you projected departure date. This will allow sufficient time to receive the immunizations in a timely order for maximum effectiveness and the least discomfort to yourself.

Some travel sites recommend consulting a physician who specializes in travel medicine but I have never done this for two reasons. The first is there is no such physician in the community in which I live. The second is that even when I consult a travel health web site, I still take the information gleaned by back to my family physician as he knows the most about my personal health. As a pastor I have seen a number of cases where individuals were being treated by several specialist at the same time and there seemed to be a great lack of communication between these doctors, with less than a happy result. One site you should consult is CDC Health Information for Uganda.

You will probably find that some of these immunizations are not even stocked by your local health department. I was told to get my doctor to write a prescription for the serum needed. Then take the prescription to my pharmacist who will order it. Once it arrives, I was to take it all back to the health department and then pay them $10 per injection. Since only the Yellow Fever injection must be administered and authenticated (on Form PHS-731) by a recognized Yellow Fever Vaccinating Center, I have a registered nurse in my congregation give the rest of the injections at no additional cost. I have her record the proper information in the "Other Immunizations Received" on PHS-731. I go ahead and order all the serum needed for the trip and keep it in the refrigerator until the day of administration.

The information below is good "general" advice which is a starting point in determining your own immunization plan in consultation with your health care giver, based on your specific requirements.

Official Immunization Certificate All immunizations must be recorded on an official International Certificate of Vaccination which is available at U.S. Government Bookstore locations 202-512-1800 202-512-2250 fax It is document PHS-731 (Order # 017-001-00483-9) and sells for $1.00. PHS-731 is a 12 page fold out form on which every type immunization should be recorded. You might also check with you local health department for availability.

Officials at Entebbe Airport have not always checked my PHS-731 but common sense dictates that you have this document with you and that it be up-to-date. The Yellow Fever immunization must be recorded in it and I strongly recommend that all immunizations be recorded in it as well. PHS-731 is internationally recognized. A physician's statement is insufficient.

Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is effectively prevented by proper immunization. It is given in live virus form and cannot be taken concurrently with other immunizations. Therefore it should be scheduled early. Very few experience any side effects. Individuals with egg allergy should make their physician/health department aware of such allergy BEFORE receiving a yellow fever injection.

Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is the only immunization that I have had in preparation for my various Africa trips that had an adverse effect on me. The night I had the injection I ran fever, had a sore arm and just generally felt bad all over. There is now an alternative to the injection and that is the Vivotif Berna Oral Capsule. Tests have shown it to be as effective as immunization by injection but without the negative side effects. I personally recommend it and encourage you to consult your personal physician about this alternative. The oral capsules (four are provided in a blister pack) and are to be taken everyother day (eg. Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) approximately one hour before a meal. It should be taken with water that is room temperature.

Meningitis
Meningtitis is an inflammation of the meninges (membranes) that surround the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be caused by a number of microorganisms which are usually spread through the blood but can enter through an infection in the sinuses or middle ear. The very young and the elderly are most susceptible. Bacterial Meningtitis meningococcal meningitis is very common and usually associated with situations in which people live in very close contact with each other. CDC Information Sheet

Polio
Poliomyelitis (also known as infantile paralysis) is a serious viral infection that can enter the body through the mouth or nose and then move to the intestines. From there it travels via nerve fibers or in the blood to the central nervous system. Once there, nerve cells are entered, the virus rapidly multiplies and the nerves are damaged or killed. Depending on the number of cells involved, paralysis can result. There are three viruses that cause polio and are simply called, Type I, Type II, and Type III. Since the 1950s effective immunization has eliminated all three types of polio in all but underdeveloped areas, such as Uganda. I have seen children who have been affected by polio in Uganda so it makes good sense to protect yourself with a current inoculation.