Getting shot?

Our Swedish doctor was very helpful to set up a special schedule for F's vaccines before we left (at 2,3 and 4 months instead of the usual 3,5 12), and beginning of February it was time for the 4 month one. Not knowing at all how this works in Tobago before we left - we started by visiting the hospital in Scarborough in January (and knowing the pace of life here...) Scarborough hospital was an experience. The first thing you saw was the emergency room, filled with waiting people and some chickens walking about. There was a small information booth - and the woman directed me to the second blue door on the left - the infectious clinic. In there - in a room approx 2x3 metres, were 3 nurses. Oh no, we do vaccines in the Health Clinics - and helpfully and eagerly gave us driving directions to the Scarborough health clinic. After a short drive we arrived at a top modern clinic - I started at the information desk. Sure, we do vaccines, where are you staying? I said Castara and the man and the woman behind the counter burst into laughter: -So why did you come all the way here? There is a health clinic in Castara! They'll help you there! Obviously this was hilarious to them - but believe me - considering the size of Castara this fact surprised me - where on earth was this clinic? It was here: (And notice: still chickens!)

I visited the clinic one morning - and after a round of the normal good morning's etc, spoke to a very helpful nurse. (By the way, all the women and children I always wondered why I never see in the village - they were there) I had brought F's Swedish health book (written in Swedish...) and we started by a round of translations and discussions what she needed. After about 40 minutes we agreed that they do have the same vaccines - only Polio is taken orally and not by injection as in Sweden. Great, I said, and felt very content and proud that we got this far, so when can I come back for the injections? Oh no, you cannot have them, she explained. I was so surprised having felt so in agreement with her - but then again tobagan English can be...a challenge. After another round of discussion I found out that they give the last injection at 6 months, so she would not give F her's until she reached that age. But - at the time of injections (every other Thursday) there would be another nurse there, not her, so I could try her. So, I waited a couple of weeks and went back to perform the same procedure with the other nurse. She was ok to give it, but wanted to find a Polio injection so that F would get exactly what she got in Sweden. This would be needed to be sent from Scarborough, so I could come back in two weeks. So...today was the big day.


F waiting outside the "Doctors room"

I went to the clinic this morning - only to find a third nurse. The procedure of translating and discussion was now performed for the third time. We came to an agreement too - yey! - but she said Polio injections do not exist in Tobago so I must have misunderstood that (very likely...) Before I could blink F had a needle in her leg and a drop of Polio vaccine in her mouth. Only 2 weeks after schedule! And again a really nice testament of the people here always willing to help.