What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the International Travel Clinic

The International Travel Clinic at Cincinnati Children's offers international travel preparation and vaccinations. Our clinic serves all community members, including children, adults, and Cincinnati Children's employees, for work and nonwork-related travel. When traveling abroad for vacation, business, mission trips, school trips, visiting friends or relatives, or for adoption, it is important to get the right vaccinations before traveling.

Even if you are returning to your home country, your body no longer has the same defense system as it did the last time you were there. The vaccinations you need will depend on where you're traveling and what you'll do while you're there. We will identify your specific needs during your first visit.

Our international travel experts will:

• Review your medical background to provide individualized recommendations for your trip
• Assess country-specific health risks based on your destination
• Determine your individual needs and provide appropriate vaccinations for protection against infectious diseases, including:
  • Hepatitis A
  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Meningitis
  • Polio
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow Fever
• Provide appropriate medications to prevent malaria, if needed
• Provide preventive education and antibiotics for diarrhea
• Identify safeguards for individuals with special needs
• Provide follow-up medical care when you return home, if needed

Making an Appointment at the International Travel Clinic

Please note that you should schedule your first appointment 4-6 weeks before your trip. However, you can receive some immunizations the week before you travel. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

If you return from a trip abroad feeling ill, contact us immediately.

Before Your Appointment

Appointments, vaccinations, and medications are not always covered by insurance. Please contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to verify your coverage. We accept Medicare and other insurance plans. If you need information on vaccination and medication costs, please contact us.

On the Day of Your Visit to the International Travel Clinic

Arriving at Your Appointment

Appointments for the International Travel Clinics are available at the main Cincinnati Children's campus on Burnet Avenue and at the Cincinnati Children's Liberty Campus. Please make sure you know which building your appointment is in and plan for extra time to find parking.

We also recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow for registration.

If you are running late, please contact us immediately.

At Your Appointment

Please plan for your first visit to take about 45 minutes. During this time, you will receive:

• A physical exam
• Specific guidance for your travel destination and personal needs
• All necessary vaccinations and prescriptions

After Your Visit to the International Travel Clinic

As you get ready for your trip, please consider packing these important health items. While this is not a comprehensive list, it will get you started with the basics. Please review the current TSA rules for liquids and other items in your checked and carry-on baggage before you pack.

Medications

• All prescriptions and medications that you take regularly
• Anti-malarial medications if the clinic prescribes it
• Pain or fever relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin
• Medications for allergic reactions like antihistamines or an Epi-pen
• Anti-motion sickness medication
• Anti-fungal topical ointment
• Antibacterial topical ointment or cream
• Anti-diarrheal medications

Basic First Aid Items

• Antibacterial hand sanitizer or wipes
• Bandages in multiple sizes
• Sunburn gel or cream
• Sunscreen, at least 15 SPF
• Insect repellant
• Anti-itch spray for insect bites and stings
• Blister treatment
• Face masks

Paperwork

• Your itinerary, including flight, lodging and ground transportation details
• Copies of your passport and a photo ID
• Travel insurance and medical evaluation insurance information
• Phone numbers for lost credit cards
• Proof of any required vaccinations
• Copies of all prescriptions
• Your medical insurance information
• Your healthcare provider information
• Phone numbers for the U.S. Embassy or consulate in your destination country or countries