Thinking of a trip out of the country during Winter or Spring Break? Perhaps next summer? Planning for a Education Abroad experience? Student Health Services offers visits for students traveling outside the United States.
By appointment: Call 614.292.4321 to schedule. Be prepared with your travel dates and the countries you plan to visit when you call.
What to expect
- Review of vaccination requirements and recommendations for updating your current immunizations.
- Travel recommendations based on current health and safety precautions
- Vaccinations can be initiated at the time of the initial consult/travel assessment
Cost
There is a nominal travel visit fee at Student Health Services. There are also fees for immunizations, lab tests, medications, and post-travel illness screenings. We advise you to check with your health insurance carrier about coverage for these services.
IF YOU NEED A TRAVEL PHYSICAL, THAT WILL REQUIRE A SEPARATE VISIT AND ADDITIONAL FEES.
Protect yourself
Immunization is one of the most important medical precautions a person can take when traveling. The Wilce Student Health Center offers Travel Assessment/Consultation Appointments to guide you through the immunization process and help you understand the importance of protecting yourself.
How we can help
Our Travel Medicine providers use software that is continuously updated to determine immunizations that are needed for specific countries and regions, and provide you with printed instructions for ‘take along’ medications. We are a one-stop clinic. We can administer the immunizations and supply medications that may be required for travel.
Available immunizations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Influenza (flu)
- Japanese encephalitis
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
- Typhoid Fever
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Yellow Fever
When should I start my vaccinations
Travelers should call us to schedule an appointment as soon as they know that they will be taking a trip. Some vaccines may require a series of doses and therefore will require prior planning to meet vaccine-dosing schedules. Whenever possible, travelers should be seen a minimum of 6 weeks prior to departure.
Post-travel medical care
Despite the best planning and preventive measures, accidents and illnesses can occur while traveling. Students with illnesses within a few months of travelling are strongly encouraged to come in for a post-travel medical visit.
What to bring to the appointment:
- up-to-date vaccination records
- current medications
- recommendations from tour organizers
- your list of questions
Did you get your travel recommendations from another clinic? We can still give you the vaccines you need, if you bring a written order from your outside provider.
Injections normally start at the time of the Travel Assessment. Additional vaccinations can be scheduled separately as needed.
Health Tips:
- Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Drink only bottled/boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles, without ice.
- Eat only cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.
- Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.
- Don’t handle animals.
- Don’t swim in freshwater, salt water is usually safer.
- Protect yourself from insects by remaining in screened areas, using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants.
- To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, do not go barefoot.
- Carry a backup supply of your prescription medications with you on your trip.
- Be sure you are up-to-date on your vision, dental, and medical exams before leaving.
Please visit U.S. Department of State for up-to-date travel advisories and information regarding specific countries.
Don’t forget to send us a postcard!
Roger Miller, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University