Frequently Asked Questions
To print a brochure that includes the information about the Travel Medicine & Immunization Clinic and a map, click here.
What services do you provide?
- Comprehensive and individualized assessment of the traveler's itinerary and health history.
- Travel immunizations and prophylaxis including Hepatitis A , Polio and Yellow Fever.
- Information about travel illnesses including traveler's diarrhea & altitude illness.
- Special considerations for pregnant and immunocompromised travelers.
- Expert counseling regarding food and water safety.
- Post-travel medical consultation in conjunction with our Infectious Diseases clinic, for the returning traveler with fever or other travel-related symptoms.
We are an official yellow fever vaccine center.
Who can visit the Travel Clinic?
The Travel Clinic only sees adults over the age of 18. Self-pay and insurance carriers are welcome. Appropriate referrals from primary care providers and authorization should be obtained before the actual appointment.
Does my insurance cover the visit?
Not all services may be covered by insurance carriers and may be the responsibility of the traveler.
What happens during a Travel Clinic appointment?
The traveler's visit begins with a careful evaluation of their itinerary and medical history. Afterwards vaccines are administered and information on water and food safety is provided. To learn more, click here.
How far in advance of my trip should I visit the Travel Clinic?
The visit to the Travel Clinic should optimally occur at least four weeks prior to departure. When traveling for the purpose of re-location or for more than six months, visit the Travel Clinic approximately 6 months before your trip as some vaccines require boosters.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, call 617-632-7740. If possible, appointments should be made at least one month prior to the date of departure.
What are the clinic hours?
The clinic is open on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Consults are by appointment only. To learn more, click here.
Where is the clinic located?
The Travel Clinic is located at the Lowry Medical Office Building in Boston's Longwood Medical Area. Parking is attached to the Lowry Building. The garage is handicap accessible. For more information and directions, click here.
Address
Lowry Medical Office Building
110 Francis Street, Suite GB (basement)
Boston, MA 02215
Why can't I get information about my trip over the phone?
Deciphering what travel information and immunizations you will need depends many factors including your destination, medical and immunization history, urban or rural location of stay and length of stay. All these assessments cannot be done by phone and are easier done in person. This prevents any errors in medicine prescription and ensures that you have an enjoyable trip abroad. Booking an appointment at 617-632-7740 is very easy. To learn more about the Travel Clinic, click here.
What if I am sick after travel or would like an infectious disease screening?
If you are ill when you return or develop a fever within 6 months of your trip, please call the Infectious Disease department at 617-632-7706 to schedule an appointment to see an Infectious Disease doctor or call your primary care physician.
I have been living in the U.S. for 7 years. Do I need vaccination when returning to my home country?
Yes. This is because once you leave your home country your immunity to local diseases, malaria for example, diminishes within 4-6 weeks. You will need to be immunized like everybody else. Also, new vaccines are always being made so you might need to receive new vaccines to gain full immunity.
How does the National Yellow Fever shortage affect my trip?
As of November 2009, there is a current shortage of the yellow fever vaccine which compels us to prioritize our yellow fever vaccine administrations. We have developed a program that will allow us to dispense the vaccine to those traveling based on their travel dates. Please note that we are requesting that travelers return for a second appointment specifically to receive the vaccine.
In conjunction with other clinics, we are working to reduce the impact of this shortage on travelers and ensure that travelers are adequately prepared and protected for their overseas trips. As always, we welcome the occasion to work with you in planning a productive albiet healthy trip.
