International Medicine & Traveler's Immunization Service

Whether traveling for business, pleasure, education or missionary work, medical precautions are necessary. Travel anywhere in the world presents potential risks of exposure to diseases. The risks associated with these diseases can be significant and occasionally fatal. Risks can be related to customs, food or sanitation that may be different from that in the United States.

Loyola’s International Medicine & Traveler's Immunization Service maintains a full immunization service for persons who require vaccination against a variety of diseases that can be contracted during foreign travel. As part of that service, the nursing staff provides evaluations, consultations and immunizations in advance of travel, and treatment of individuals who have returned from foreign travel and have an illness that may be travel related. The nursing staff works in conjunction with infectious disease physicians from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Prior to Travel

A visit to Loyola's travel service will include a review of the traveler's destinations. Loyola’s health-care professionals identify risks associated with travel to those destinations, provide information on avoiding these risks and will recommend immunizations and/or prescriptions that should be taken. Immunizations can be administered and printed information provided during the visit.

The travel service providers counsel individuals on the following issues:

• Pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy, cardiac or respiratory conditions
• Prevention of acquired infectious problems
• Travel-related conditions
• Medical care abroad

In addition, the travel service maintains an up-to-date library of existing health conditions around the world.

Besides required immunizations, the Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Hepatitis A vaccine prior to travel to all developing countries. Travelers should check their vaccine status for tetanus, diphtheria, measles and polio.

Some immunizations or preventive medications need to be administered at least six weeks prior to travel, so it is important to schedule an appointment well in advance of departure.

Upon Return

Once they return, diagnosis and treatment is available for Loyola's travel service patients who contract an illness during travel. The medical staff has the knowledge and experience to diagnose travel-related conditions not commonly seen by a traveler's routine physician and to provide proper treatments and medications.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Patients of Loyola's International Medicine & Traveler's Immunization Service will receive a yellow World Health Immunization Record. On subsequent visits to the service, they should bring this with them for updating. If this is a first visit, it would be helpful to have a copy of one's medical record or list of any vaccinations already received. All patients should bring a current list of medications that are being taken.

Most health insurance policies do not cover costs associated with travel. Loyola's travel service accepts payment at the time of service by cash, check or credit card only. Patients are provided a receipt for insurance purposes.

Contact Us

For an appointment or for more information about International Medicine & Traveler's Immunization Service, call (888) LUHS-888 (888-584-7888).