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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.
Locations and Contacts
The International Medicine & Traveler's Immunization
Service is available in Maywood at:
Loyola Outpatient
Center
Services also are offered at the following Loyola site:
Loyola Primary Care Center at Oakbrook
Terrace
If you would like to make an appointment, please call
us at (888) LUHS-888.
Related Links
Infectious Disease Services
Director
J.
Paul O'Keefe, MD
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