Preparing for an international trip can seem complex and difficult. Many times trips pop up at the last minute, putting even greater pressure on the traveler. When you have the benefit of the friendly and knowledgeable assistance of the professional staff at Passport Health, your task becomes much easier.

Here are some commonly asked questions. Click on the links below for answers, or browse the entire page. If you have further questions, please call us at 317.844-2990

What vaccinations do I need if I’m traveling to....?
Can’t I just go to my doctor for travel shots?
What can I expect?
I’m traveling to Africa and know that some vaccinations are required, but I’m concerned they may cause illness.
Do I need vaccinations for a cruise?
Do I need vaccinations for trips to developed countries in Europe?
When should I get my shots?
Does insurance cover this?
How do I arrange for an appointment?

 
Q: What vaccinations are required if I'm traveling to ______________?
A: This is only half of the question. The real question should be, "What does the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization say I should have for protection against disease while visiting ___________?" There are two kinds of shots: recommended and required. Recommended means the CDC and WHO recommend you have these immunizations to protect you from diseases prevalent in the areas you are traveling to. Required means the country you are traveling to wants proof of your immunization to protect their population from diseases coming into their country. Both types of immunizations are important for travelers to learn about and understand. A good example of this is no country requires a traveler to take medication against Malaria, but it is recommended. Yet, without it, and without additional protection of mosquito netting and repellants, travelers in many regions are likely to contract malaria.
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Q: Can't I just go to my doctor for travel shots?
A: Yes, but unless your doctor happens to specialize in travel medicine, he or she will have to do extensive research, probably not have the necessary vaccines in-stock or the necessary documentation you will need for your records. We work tirelessly with the medical community to refer their patients to us. We have the most up to the minute information as we do this all day, every day.
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Q: What can I expect?
A: You will be seen by one of our Travel Nurse Consultants. They are all RN’s with extensive training in the field of travel medicine and immunology. They will not only review, in detail, the vaccinations that are required and recommended, but they will also review the food, water, safety and security alerts in the area you will be traveling. Plus they will review everyday travel trips, such as how to avoid or minimize jet lag and travelers’ diarrhea. Our clients typically walk out of our office with more than vaccinations. They are armed with knowledge which many times helps them recognize and avoid sickness while traveling.
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Q: I'm traveling to Africa and know that some vaccinations are required, but I'm concerned they may cause illness.
A: This is an excellent question. There is a lot of misinformation and anti-vaccine rhetoric on the Internet and in the press. Prior to vaccines being approved by the FDA for use, they are put through years of clinical trials and the world's most stringent and rigorous licensing process. That is not to say all vaccines are 100% safe, as no one can claim that. However, it does make for the safest and most effective vaccines available anywhere in the world. Our Travel Nurse Consultant can review any and all concerns you may have prior to being vaccinated.
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Q: Do I need vaccinations for a cruise?
A: Traveling on cruise ships and visiting multiple ports of call can result in unexpected risks. Due to factors such as sanitation practices, food handling, water supplies, and insect exposures, travelers may be exposed to various communicable diseases. Among the common exposures are diseases such as Influenza, Pneumonia, Norovirus and Hepatitis A. A prospective cruise ship traveler should consider vaccinations against these diseases and others based on the travel itinerary, length of stay, accommodations, and previous immunization status.
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Q: Do I need vaccinations for trips to developed countries in Europe?
A: A misconception many people have is international travel to developed countries is safe. It is just as important to know the health risks and alerts in Italy or New Zealand as it is for Kenya or Beijing. There are frequent outbreaks of Measles, Influenza, Polio and other diseases travelers should be aware of and protected against. The CDC recommends everyone be up to date on all adult immunizations for travel anywhere. Passport Health can advise you as to your risks, cover your routine vaccinations and any additional travel vaccines you may need.
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Q: When should I get my shots?
A: The CDC recommends taking care of your travel medical needs four to six weeks before traveling. It is important to note some vaccines are a series of immunizations to receive the most immunity. Some are lifetime vaccines and others must be given every few years. Our Travel Nurse Consultant will review the timing and effectiveness of each vaccine at the time of your visit.
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Q: Does insurance cover this?
A: This question is best directed to your insurance company, and we suggest you check with them before traveling. All carriers and plans are different. However, in our experience many insurance plans do not cover travel vaccines. They view them as elective medicine. Please note, many of the vaccines you may need for travel are actually part of the adult immunization program recommended by the CDC, so even if your carrier says they do not cover travel medicines, they may. Because of these insurance issues, Passport Health does not accept any form of insurance. Payment is due in full at the time of service. We do accept all forms of payment, including credit/debit cards. We do provide an itemized receipt with all the proper information and codes insurance carriers need for you to submit a claim directly to your carrier. While talking to your insurance company, you may also want to ask them about your coverage while traveling. Many insurance plans are not accepted overseas, or won’t cover costs if you need to be treated or hospitalized. Should this be the case, visit our website to get details on our medical travel insurance plans. It's fast and easy to get a quote online. Click here.
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Q: How do I arrange for an appointment?
A: Contact our main office by calling 317-844-2990. To see our more than 160 locations across the country, visit www.passporthealthusa.com.
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Click here to make an appointment.