Following an uncomfortable year of colds and flu last year, I decided to check up about when immunization starts. At my local health centre the jabs won’t start until November 20th. This seems a little late in the winter doesn’t it?
Anyway. Thought I’d share this with you. I’m definitly going to get immunized this year, suggest you do too!
I had mine 4 weeks ago already. You are suppoosed to have them before the end of October. I’ve had them 3 times before, and each time I haven’t had a single bout of flu or even a cold in the following winter (even while teaching kids). I swear by them.
Definitely look around at other hospitals. You absolutely definitely can get it already. The cost is N$500 if you are under 55; otherwise it’s free. The crazy thing is they make you see the doctor first just to get approval to get the injection. If you are number 27 at a hospital and they are only seeing patient number 6, do the local thing: knock on the door and the nurse will let you in. Make it clear you just want a flu shot (tell her the Chinese or show what you have had a Chinese-speaker write down for you in advance), and she’ll type up your slip while the doctor is seeing someone else. They’ll check your temperature and then send you wherever to pay your NT$500 and get the shot. Simple. Takes 2 minutes, and doesn’t require the doctor’s attention anyway, so you won’t be holding up the queue. In our case (went with my gf), the nurse handled everything.
Ahh, now that’s more like it! I thought the end of November was late. I’m going the hospital next week for my eye medicine. (ma jie in Shuanglian) I’ll check what they have to say about it.
Our boss organized shots for us. The nurse came to our school and did everybody who signed up. I swear to you, that women had the magic touch. She is apparently famous in the area for making the whole thing so absolutely painless. Even the few kids who signed up came out smiling and joking. Only NT$400. Probably a special deal.
I felt like crap afterwards though…sleepy and achy all over.
Phew! I’m finally back to normal after two days of extreme grogginess and muscle ache. I was actually worried that it would ruin my Halloween weekend. Indian and The Wall, here I come!
Taiwan Adventist also has run out of flu vaccine for the under-65 crowd.
I know Zhen-hsin in Shi-pai was mentioned as having shots left. Does that still hold? Does anyone know of any other hospitals that still have flu shots available (preferably closer to downtown)?
…Just in case anyone is interested. I went back to the doctor today. They still haven’t received their new supply of medicine. I ws told to go back next month.
[quote=“Limey”]…Just in case anyone is interested. I went back to the doctor today. They still haven’t received their new supply of medicine. I ws told to go back next month.