Travel FAQs

1. How soon should I start getting my immunizations before travel?
   Plan to visit our travel medicine services 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure date.
    
2. How can I find out what immunizations are recommended for my travel?
   Click here for travel health information for international destinations.  Vaccines specific to your destination will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation with a Careworks' provider.
    
3. What is the difference between required immunizations and recommended?
   A required vaccination is one for which formal proof of immunization is needed in order to enter a specific country.  This immunization needs to be administered at least 10 days prior to entry.  A recommended immunization is one that is suggested to protect travelers from illnesses while in a particular country, but is not required by any government for entry.
    
4. Do my children need vaccines?
   Children are at increased risk for developing some vaccine preventable diseases and should be protected by immunizations.
     
5. Can my whole family come in at one time?
   Yes.  Our providers can assist you with scheduling your family's appointments by calling 800-818-1276, and we will attempt to schedule a time convenient for the whole family.  You can also fill out the online travel consultation form and someone will follow up with you to schedule your appointment.
    
6. How long will my appointment last?
   The consultation generally lasts about 30 minutes to an hour.  If there are several people in the family at the same appointment, there will be one consultation with everyone and then each family member will receive their immunizations.  Immunizations will require you to remain in the clinic for 20 minutes to ensure you do not have a severe reaction.
    
7. I grew up in the country I am visiting and will be visiting family and friends.  Why do I need immunizations?
   If you have lived in the U.S. for more than one year, your immunity to infectious diseases in your home country has likely lapsed and immunizations can help keep you well during your visit.  It is important to immunize your children born in the U.S. prior to their visit abroad as they will be at higher risk of a variety of illnesses while staying in homes and neighborhoods than if they were staying in resort accommodations.