Travel Health Clinics Offer Immunizations
Variety of Practitioners Provide Necessary Vaccinations
Oct 20, 2009
The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists required and recommended immunizations by country. Travelers can check their website to find out what’s needed for their upcoming international trip.
Get Routine Immunizations First
The CDC recommends everyone have routine immunizations, whether they’re traveling abroad or staying home. The routine list includes diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, measles, mumps, Hepatitis A and B, and flu. These immunizations can usually be obtained from the family doctor or any general practitioner. Travelers should check with their own physicians first to make sure they’re up-to-date on routine immunizations as well as what other immunizations the doctor can provide.
Immunizations for International Travel Depend on Countries to be Visited
Other immunizations depend on the countries to be visited. The CDC’s website has this information. Travelers will usually need to visit a travel health clinic for immunizations that are not considered routine. The CDC recommends starting the immunization process four to six weeks before departure. This allows time for the immunization to take effect and provide protection.
The CDC issues travel notices about diseases which are occurring around the world. Travelers may want to consult this list to see if areas they will be visiting are impacted.
Travelers Can Start at Local Health Departments
City or county health departments are a good place to start for the other immunizations. The CDC has links to state health departments which in turn link to county or city health departments.
Travelers should contact their local health department to find out if it has a travel clinic and what hours it is open. Clinicians, usually nurses, will review travel plans with the traveler and discuss what’s needed. Some may even prescribe medications for malaria and diarrhea. Some travelers, however, may not be able to get all the immunizations they need at the local health department. For example, travelers to Africa and some parts of South America may need immunizations for yellow fever. Or they may want an immunization for Japanese encephalitis, for which they'll need to go to a specialty clinic.
Immunizations for Yellow Fever
It should be noted that many countries do not require proof of yellow fever immunizations unless the traveler is entering from a country where there has been an outbreak of that disease.
The International Society for Travel Medicine lists private travel clinics where travelers can be immunized for yellow fever. If a provider has a red star next to his name, it means that person is certified as an expert in travel health after passing the society’s test. The list also notes the primary language spoken by the provider.
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