Traveling to other countries can be an exciting endeavor. Most travelers enjoy their time abroad without any issues, but there are places in the world where sanitary and environmental conditions are quite different from what you may be used to. Whether it’s water and food safety or disease risk, it’s good to be informed and prepared before you start your journey. Setting up a consultation with a travel nurse at the Southwest Utah Public Health Department is a great way to help you navigate the unknowns of any country you may be visiting. We recommend that you schedule the appointment for 4 – 6 weeks prior to your travel date.
What can I expect at my travel consultation appointment?
You will meet with one of our nurses who are trained in travel medicine. They will review your medical history, discuss food and water safety, personal safety, and recommend vaccines and medications. Plan enough time (about an hour) for your visit, which may take longer if more people are attending.
I’m not 18 yet…can I attend my consultation appointment alone?
We are unable to provide services to individuals under 18 without the presence of a parent or legal guardian (proof of guardianship required) with current and valid photo ID. They will need to sign the required paperwork.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Come prepared to avoid rescheduling for a later date by bringing the following: current insurance card that covers vaccines (if you have one), immunization records, itinerary (including layovers), list of medications you are currently taking, and a valid photo ID. To optimize your time with the travel nurse, we suggest submitting your completed and signed travel form (download and print from swuhealth.gov/travel, “Intake Form”), insurance information, immunization records, and travel itinerary to our office at least three days prior to your scheduled appointment.
What immunizations and prescriptions do you offer?
Written prescriptions: malaria, traveler’s diarrhea, motion sickness, and other travel-related illnesses. Immunizations: Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP) or Tetanus & Diphtheria (TD), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Meningococcal Meningitis, Pneumococcal, and Polio.
Travel Vaccines: Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Cholera, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (most of these must be special ordered).
How can I schedule my travel consultation appointment?
Call the office closest to you in Southwest Utah:
Washington County: 620 S 400 E, St. George 435-986-2557
Iron County: 260 E DL Sargent Dr, Cedar City 435-586-2437
Kane County: 445 North Main, Kanab 435-296-5477
Will the travel vaccines be covered by insurance?
Visit our website (swuhealth.gov/immunizations) to get the most up to date information about the insurances we accept. Most insurances DO NOT cover the cost of travel vaccines. It is always good to check with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the costs.
I am traveling in a large group or have a large family…is there a discount?
Travel consultation appointments are currently $70 per individual. Groups of 4 cost $260 with $25 for each additional individual up to a total of 8 people. If there are more than 8 people in your group multiple appointments will need to be scheduled.
I just need vaccines, why do I need to have a travel consultation?
Our travel clinics are overseen by medical doctors at the University of Utah, who specialize in travel medicine and are infectious disease experts. A travel consultation must be scheduled to receive travel vaccines and prescriptions. If you
are traveling to a developed country, you may not need a travel visit and can receive vaccines through our regular immunization clinic.
Are you or a son or daughter preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?
It’s best to get your consultation at least 2-4 months prior to leaving for the Missionary Training Center (MTC) or home
MTC, early enough to make sure you have all the immunizations and prescriptions needed for your assigned country. Some
vaccinations require a series of shots separated by a period of time before completion.
If you’re up-to-date on your childhood immunizations, you’ll have those needed to serve out-of-country, which include
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP) or Tetanus & Diphtheria (TD), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A,
Hepatitis B, and Polio. Some boosters may still be required.
Country-specific vaccines may include those for Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikunguyna, Cholera, Yellow Fever, and
Typhoid. Also recommended are vaccinations for Influenza, Meningitis, Pneumonia, and Chicken Pox. If you don’t have all
your childhood immunizations, make an appointment as soon as possible, especially if you are willing to serve outside the
United States. It can take six months to a year to get you caught up on the required immunizations.
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of HEALTH Magazine.