Travel Health Clinic

Travel Health Clinic
OSF HealthCare Medical Group – College Avenue
1701 E. College Ave.
Bloomington, Illinois
Map and Directions

(309) 664-3201

When traveling internationally for business, enjoyment or on medical or church missions you should meet with a travel health care provider to understand the health risks you may face and what immunizations you need before traveling.

The Travel Health Clinic at OSF HealthCare Medical Group – College Avenue in Bloomington offers immunizations and travel consultations. Travelers are immunized and educated on food and water safety, what to pack in a traveler’s kit and how to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.

According to the World Health Organization, international travel can pose various risks, depending on the travel destination. When traveling, you may encounter sudden and significant changes in altitude, humidity, microbes and temperature, which can cause illness. In addition, serious health risks may arise in areas with the following:

• Poor accommodations
• Inadequate hygiene and sanitation services
• Lacking medical services
• Inadequate clean water supply

Travel Consultations

During a consultation, you will meet with an advanced practice nurse who is a member of the International Society for Travel Medicine. Be prepared to discuss the following:

• Itinerary and activities planned during the travel
• Review of previous immunizations and health history to develop an individualized plan
• Advice and administration of needed immunizations and prescriptions, including malaria prophylaxis
• General health tips on travel-related illnesses

You may be asked the following to help assess your risk(s):

• Do you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, pulmonary disease or autoimmune disorder?
• Will you be staying in rural accommodations?
• Will you be eating local foods in moderate- or high-risk areas?
• Are you planning any activities in moderate- or high-risk areas?
• Do you plan to be out of the country for more than one month?

When to Visit

The best time to see a travel health provider is at least four to six weeks before your trip. When visiting with the specialist, be prepared to provide details such as:

• Where you are traveling within a country
• The length of your trip
• What types of activities you might do
• Other personal information such as your age, medical and vaccine history and any current health issues, including allergies and current medications

Immunizations

Make sure your routine vaccinations, including the seasonal flu vaccine, are up to date. You should also consider any recommended vaccines based on where you will be traveling, which may include:

For Appointments

Call (309) 664-3201 to schedule an appointment before your international travel. Our travel health specialist is available on Tuesdays by appointment for consultations and development of a health plan. A dedicated nurse also is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide any necessary immunizations.