Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead of my trip should I get my immunizations?

If possible, at least three to four weeks before travel. Earlier is better, as some vaccines require a series of doses prior to travel. Also, for vaccines to be protective, your body’s immune system must produce protective antibodies in response to the vaccine. This takes about two weeks.

What should I expect at a travel consultation?

You will receive individualized consultation based on the specifics of your itinerary, planned activities, special needs, disease risks, overall health issues, and medications you are on. The purpose of a travel medicine consultation is to help prepare you for potential health consequences of travel to specific regions of the globe where the health risks are different from those you have had to consider when in the U.S. continent. Prescriptions for medications you may need for your trip include malaria, motion sickness, high altitude, and antibiotic prevention medication. Vaccinations and product recommendations will be discussed during the consultation.

You can request to have a blood test to check the antibody for Measles, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Chicken Pox if you choose to verify that you did receive these vaccines in the past, but are unsure. Your vaccines will be administered at the end of the consultation.

What will my travel medicine consultation visit cost?

The travel medicine consultation costs $150 per person. (We offer a discount for families and large groups.) No insurance will cover the visit. We do not give FREE consultations over the telephone or via email. You need to schedule the consultation.

Will my insurance cover the vaccinations?

That depends, of course, on the benefits provided by your insurance policy. Some plans do not cover travel vaccination, some cover in full, and others cover only a portion of the charges. We will verify with your insurance company before your appointment.

How long is the consultation?

The consultation typically lasts about 45 minutes. The time varies depending on how many questions you have and how many people will be served during the visit. Families with young children will take more time.

What side effects might I expect after receiving my vaccines?

Severe reactions are infrequent. Some local tenderness, body aches, or low-grade fever may occur in some people, but they should not interfere with usual activities. You might not have any reactions. The potential side effects will be reviewed with you at the consultation.

What are my payment options?

We accept cash, checks, and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover). We require payment in full at the time of service.

Does my health insurance cover me while I am abroad?

We recommend contacting your health insurance carrier to ask about benefits while in other countries. We also highly recommend that you purchase additional coverage, which is generally relatively inexpensive and might prove to be literally life-saving.