CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Passports & Visas
TSA – Transportation Safety Administration
National Meningitis Association
Vaccine Safety Information
National Network for Immunization Information

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Preparing for an international trip can be complex and difficult. Passport Health’s
professional staff and expert travel nurse consultants make protecting your health easy.

Q: What Do I Need To Know?     
A: Travel Medicine is not just about inoculations. And, what you need depends upon several things including; where you
are going, what you will be doing and how long you will be staying there. At Passport Health we will give you not only
information as to what is required by certain countries but also what is recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease
Control) and WHO (World Health Organization) so you can make an informed decision as to choices you have for your trip.

Q: How do I determine what I need?    
A: Travel Medicine is not just about immunizations.  What you need depends upon several things including; where you are going, what you will be doing and how long you will be staying there, how old you are, past and present medical conditions and previous immunizations?
At Passport Health we educate and vaccinate!  The travel nurse consultant will discuss with you what is required by the specific country for entry, and even more importantly, what is recommended for your health.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) provide guidelines for medicines and immunizations for foreign travel.  Passport Health presents you with all of the information needed to make an informed decision about your health for your trip.

Q. What is the difference between recommended and required vaccines?     
A.  The country you are visiting determines the requirements for entry.  These vaccination requirements are intended to prevent travelers from bringing disease into the country.  Travelers must show proof of the specific immunization for entry into these countries.  Most countries do not have any vaccination requirements for entry. 

However, this does not mean you should not be vaccinated before you travel.  Vaccines are recommended to protect your health while visiting foreign countries.  There are always vaccines recommended when you travel outside the U.S.  The primary source of recommendations in the U.S. is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), located in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Q. I was born in the country I am visiting; do I still need vaccines?       
A.  Yes.  People born in foreign countries lose all of their antibodies or natural protection within a very short period of time after they leave the country of origin.  In addition, most foreign countries do not have the same immunization standards as the U.S.  Therefore, visiting your native country can put your health at risk and it is important to receive proper vaccines and/or medicines four to six weeks before your trip.  

Q. Can I get travel immunizations from my doctor?    
A. Most doctors do not give immunizations.  Check with your individual doctor’s office to see which immunizations they can provide, but unless your doctor happens to specialize in travel medicine, he or she will:
  • Likely refer you to Passport Health.
  • Not stock all of the vaccines you need.
  • Have to do extensive research to determine what vaccinations you will need.
  • Probably not have the necessary documents to record your vaccines.
  • Most likely will not be familiar with prescribing appropriate malaria medicine.

Q: What can I expect at my appointment?     
A: During the consultation (Travel Appointment), you will be meeting with one of our travel nurse consultants for about 45 minutes, depending on how many people are scheduled for the appointment and how many questions you may have. Our travel nurse consultants are nurse practitioners and registered nurses, with extensive training and experience in the specialty of Travel Medicine.  They will review every aspect of what is needed for a safe and healthy trip.  Their objective is to educate you, so you will have the tools to make an informed decision about your health. The nurse will administer the appropriate vaccines/medicine at that time. Vaccinations are only one component of travel medicine. Equally important is destination specific information on food and water safety, malaria prevention, treatment for traveler's diarrhea, altitude sickness and more.
Prior to your appointment we suggest you complete the Patient Travel Health Information Form.  Please click here to print the form.

Q: How soon before my trip should I make an appointment?      
A: Scheduling an appointment four to six weeks before traveling is ideal. It will take your body time to build an effective level of antibody protection.  Some vaccines are a series and in order to provide the most benefit, a person should receive more than one dose before their trip. 
If you do not have four to six weeks before your trip, it is not too late to get vaccinated.  There are always some immunizations or medicines you can take to protect yourself. 

Q: What if I am traveling with a child and/or young adult?      
A: Passport Health provides travel vaccinations and medicine for children as well. The child(ren) will most likely require immunizations in addition to their routine childhood immunizations. Bring your child’s immunization record and a nurse can review it at the time of your appointment.  
Every child under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present.  However, we do recommend parents of young adults still be present at their child’s appointment. Making medical decisions can be an overwhelming and confusing responsibility.

Q: Does my insurance cover vaccines and medicines for foreign travel?      
A: Most health insurance plans don't cover travel vaccines and medicines. The insurance companies' view is that you are electing to travel and therefore it is elective care.  You must check with your specific insurance company to determine what is covered by your policy.
Passport Health does not accept any medical insurance plans. We do however provide you with a receipt that has all the information and codes needed to submit your claim.  If immunizations for foreign travel are covered under your plan, your insurance company may reimburse you for some of the cost.

Medicare does not cover any vaccines or medicines for foreign travel.

Q: What form(s) of payment are accepted?     
A: Passport Health accepts debit and credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover) and cash.  No personal checks please.  
Corporations may arrange for direct billing to pay for services provided to their employees.

Q: How Do I Arrange For An Appointment?     
A: Contact us by phone at 425.251.0205 to schedule an appointment for any of the offices.  We see everyone by appointment to avoid unnecessary wait time.

It is important to be at least five to ten minutes early for your appointment.  The travel nurse consultants see clients on time, at the scheduled appointment time.  If you arrive late, the nurse runs late for her next appointment and you may have to reschedule or be patient while we do our best to work you in.  We know your time is valuable; we do not double book appointments.  Please be on time for your appointment.   
Prior to your appointment we suggest you complete the Patient Travel Health Information Form.  Please click here to print the form.

Q:  What do I bring to my appointment and are there special preparations?      
A.   If you have one, please bring your immunization record.  There are no special dietary restrictions and fasting is not necessary.     

Q: What If I Have More Questions?     
A:  Please call.  We will answer your questions to the best of our ability. Please be aware, we cannot give medical advice to someone who is not a client.  We will set up an appointment for you to come into our office and speak with one of our expert travel nurse consultants that can answer your specific questions and needs. 

Prior to your appointment we suggest you complete the Patient Travel Health Information Form.  Please click here to print the form.