International Travel Medicine

We provide information and immunizations for adults and children traveling out of the country.  The initial consultation about travel abroad should occur at least six weeks before the patient’s departure to allow time for booster immunizations and assessment of any adverse reactions.  Please let us know of any medications you may take regularly and any health conditions you may have so that they do not influence the outcome of your vaccination.  You will be asked to provide a current immunization record prior to the initial consultation.  The type of immunizations needed for your trip does depend on where you are going, your accommodations, the time of year, and duration of trip.  Some different vaccines we may discuss with you are:

Vaccines for Travel can be divided into the three categories listed below:

Routine Vaccines- routinely given through childhood with boosters in adulthood, i.e. Tetanus (Tdap), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Polio, etc..  Many times before international travel a booster is needed.

Recommended Vaccines- depending on travel destination, some of these will be recommended for travel, i.e. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis.

Required Vaccines- Certain travel destinations require specific vaccines before they are allowed entry into their country, i.e. Yellow Fever, Meningococcal (MCV4)

 

Travel Advice:

1.  Learn about your destination- rural vs. urban, accomodations, food and water preparation, geography, i.e. elevation, jungle, etc., season of the year, medical services available.

2.  Schedule an office visit for a travel medical consultation.  Try to schedule this at least 6 weeks ahead of travel dates.

3.  Obtain your current immunization record prior to the office visit.  If you have received your yellow fever vaccine, find your International Certificate of Vaccination.

4.  Dental, eye exam recommended, depending on length of travel. (extra pair of glasses or contacts recommended.)

5.  Obtain appropriate amount of your prescription medicines for your travel duration.  Wear a medic alert bracelet for chronic conditions, i.e. diabetes, seizures, and specific allergies.

6.  Make sure you are covered by your health insurance for medical issues during your travel.  Many health insurance plans will not cover international travel.  One such provider is roundtrip trip insurance. (https://www.sevencorners.com/insurance/roundtrip/HWPC6K4)  This is not an endorsement of this insurance provider.

7.  Obtain a list of medical providers at your travel destinations (English speaking).

8.  First aid travel kit:

    Analgesics, i. e. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

    Antibacterial wipes and Hand sanitizer, i. e. Purell

    Antibiotic ointment, i. e. Polysporin, Triple Antibiotic

    Anti- diarrhea caplets, i. e. Imodium, Pepto Bismol

    Antihistamine, i. e. Benadryl

    Antihistamine (less sedating), i. e. Zyrtec or Claritin

    Bandaids and bandages, i. e. Ace wrap

    Decongestant, i. e. Sudafed

    Eye drops, i. e. Clear eyes, Visine

    Gauze pads

    Gentle laxative. i. e. Senekot or MOM   

    Hydrocortisone cream/ointment

    Insect repellent

    Lip protectants, i. e. Chapstick, Blistex

    Medical tape

    Motion sickness tablets, i. e. dramamine

    Tums

Prescription medicines to consider:

    Bactroban ointment- topical antibacterial for superficial infections

    Floxin- one dose antibiotic tablet for significant GI upset

    Zofran- dissolving tablet for nausea and vomiting

        * if prescription medicines are desired, discuss at our travel consultation

9.  Obtain or find your passport, visa or other necessary identification papers.  Make sure they are up to date.

To Make an Appointment:

1.  Call us at 225-928-0867.

2.  Fill out this form to expediate your first visit: First Visit/Travel Itinerary. Fax the form to 225-928-1948  at least 48 hours before your visit.

3.  Your medical travel recommendations or immunization plan will be custom arranged for your specific destination or needs.

4.  Bring and updated copy of your current immunization record.

Billing of Travel Visits:

You will be charged for the cost of the vaccine and an administration fee for each vaccine in addition to an office visit.  Vaccines may be given as a single injection or as a series of injections.  Payment in full will be expected at time of service.  Routine vaccines (i.e. Tdap, MMR, etc.) may be covered by your medical insurance.  You will need to contact your insurance carrier to find out your benefits on immunizations.  We will file your claim with your insurance and if your insurance issues us a payment we will issue a refund or put it toward future charges (patient’s choice).  If you have any further questions about vaccine costs or policies please contact our billing department.

Vaccine Prices/Billing Information