The New Scoop on Vaccinations

The first thing to do is find out what insurance you have. It is on the health form I gave you today. Or ask your folks. Then contact them and tell them about this trip, that it is required, and ask where you should go. Now, most docs cannot, cannot give the Yellow Fever shot. So you need to go where you can get everything. There is a doc here who can do all this; find out if he is in your network. His name is:

Curtis Gongwer, M.D.
(574) 288 1200
He is located just north of
St. Joe Hospital in
Medical Pavillion 1
Click here for directions

When you find out what insurance you have, also call his office to make sure the insurance works there and to set up an appointment.

Now, the cheaper route if insurance looks like it may not cover it is the St. Joseph County Health Department. You can go there individually or in small groups, to receive the vaccinations. Then you can get the anti Malaria meds at a nearby pharmacy. Here are their phone numbers. Health Department for shots: (574) 256 6233 You can tell them you are with the Holy Cross group going to Ghana. They are located at 219 Lincoln Way West, Mishawaka IN 46544.

The pharmacy is locally owned Merrill Pharmacy. The person there will help you select the right Malaria med. Their number is (574) 255 2988. They are at 606 North Main Street in Mishawaka, near the Health Clinic. My suggestion is to go there after getting your vaccinations. The people at the Health Clinic can help direct you.

To Get Mapquest directions to Health Clinic from HCC, CLICK HERE.

Here are the recommended shots and prices at the health clinic. For those getting them elsewhere, this is the list, but the prices will surely not be this low.
Hepatitis A $33
Hepatitis B (most have had it; but if not, then Hep A and B = $50
Yellow Fever (required) $80
tetanus $8
polio (only for those 21 yrs and older) $37
MMR $50 most have had this
typhoid $58
meningitis $97 many have had this for college

Malaria medication: all depends, there are 3 options that you need to consult with a pharmacist or a doctor about. On Thursday, I will have for you an official letter that will help getting insurance to reimburse for this. But I would get started RIGHT AWAY in setting up appointments.