Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead of my trip should I get my immunizations?
At least three to four weeks before travel if possible. Earlier is better as some vaccines have series that needed to be completed prior to your 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, any special needs, disease risks, your overall health issues, 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 such as malaria, motion sickness, high altitude, antibiotics prevention medication. vaccinations and products recommendation 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?
There is a $75 charge per person for the travel medicine consultation. (We do offer a discount for family and large group). No insurance will cover for the Travel Medicine Consultation visit.
Will my insurance cover for 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 prior to your appointment.
How long is the consultation?
The consultation typically lasts about 35 minutes. The consultation time varies depends on how many questions you have and how many people with be served during the visit. Family with young children will take more time.
What side effects might I expect after receiving my vaccines?
Serious reactions are very rare. Some local tenderness, body ached or low-grade fever may occur in some people, but should not interfere with usual activities. You might not have any reactions. The potential side effects will be review 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 that you contact your health insurance carrier to ask about benefits while in other countries. We do highly recommend for you to purchase additional coverage, which is generally relatively inexpensive and which might prove to be literally life-saving.