Travel Vaccinations

If you plan on traveling abroad, it may be important for you to get vaccinations and medications ahead of time. Here are some tips to help you sort through this issue.

How do I know if I need any vaccinations?

If you plan on traveling to a third world, tropical or remote part of the world for any substantial period of time (over a week), it’s often recommended that you receive travel vaccinations and medications in advance (often 4-6 wks before travel).

The recommendations vary by country and by time of year so the best place to find up-to-date recommendations is at the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

Will my insurance cover the cost of vaccinations?

Unfortunately, many health plans do not cover the cost of travel vaccinations or medications. The best way to find out is to call your health plan (number located on your insurance card) and ask. The out-of-pocket costs for most travel vaccines is between $50–$150 per shot.

When should I get vaccinated?

For most vaccinations, it’s best to get them at least 4–6 weeks in advance of travel. Common vaccines include Tetanus booster, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid. Malaria pills are also quite common.

Are there any countries that require proof of vaccinations?

Though this can change, the only restriction for proof upon entry applies to Yellow Fever vaccination into equatorial Africa and parts of South America. For more details, visit the CDC travel webiste at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

Where should I get vaccinated?

If you have basic travel needs (tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A), simply schedule a visit with us at The Noe Valley Clinic. For those of you who have exotic vaccination needs, we recommend you schedule a visit at the SF Travel Clinic near City Hall at 415-554-2625.