Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers may give you an idea of what you will need and how to prepare for your upcoming pre-travel visit. If you have additional questions please contact us.
- What do I need to bring to the pre-travel visit?
- How long will my visit last?
- When should I schedule my pre-travel visit?
- What if I have to travel on short notice?
- Do my children need anything special for our trip?
- Should I get the flu shot (influenza vaccine) before my trip?
- What does a typical travel visit cost?
- Will my insurance cover my visit and vaccines?
- What forms of payment is accepted?
- Can I get the vaccines at my doctor’s office?
- Where can I get the prevention medicines I might need for my trip?
- What if I get sick during my trip or after I get home?
- Can I get other “non-travel” vaccines?
- How do I schedule an appointment?
What do I need to bring to the pre-travel visit?
Please bring any record of your past vaccinations, along with a list of any medications you take. You can fill out the International Travel Health History Form in advance and bring it with you to your visit. You should also let us know the exact area/region of the country you are traveling to, as infection risks can vary within a given country.
How long will my visit last?
For a first visit, anticipate 45-60 minutes depending on your itinerary and travel needs. You will need to fill out some additional paperwork before the visit. Couples or group visits may take longer, based on the complexity of your travel and the number of vaccines needed. Follow-up visits for vaccine boosters or for non travel vaccines will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
When should I schedule my pre-travel visit?
You should try to schedule your appointment for at least 4-6 weeks before travel. This will allow for your body’s maximum immune response to the vaccines to take place before your trip.
What if I have to travel on short notice?
We do our best to accommodate last minute travelers. You will still be able to get necessary pre-travel counseling, prescriptions and needed vaccines, although you may not derive the full benefit from certain vaccines.
Do my children need anything special for our trip?
Children will be at risk for the same diseases that can affect adults. It is important that kids be up to date on their childhood vaccines from their pediatrician or family doctor. You should bring your child’s vaccine record with you to the appointment. Young children may require different vaccine or medication dosages, based on age or weight.
Should I get the flu shot (influenza vaccine) before my trip?
It is always a good idea to get the seasonal flu vaccine each fall. Remember, in the Southern hemisphere, flu season is opposite to ours, typically occurring from May – October. Availability of the flu vaccine may be limited here between March and September.
What does a typical travel visit cost?
That varies according to which vaccines are necessary. The price of a vaccine includes tax and handling charges. A single vaccine administration charge of $20 applies, no matter how many vaccines you require. The initial visit, which includes a review of your medical history and travel itinerary, as well as comprehensive review of individual health risks, subsequent counseling and any necessary prescriptions, is $75. For groups, there is a $25 fee for each additional person (eg. 2 persons = $100, 3 persons = $125…etc.). The total fee is divided among members of the group.
Will my insurance cover my visit and vaccines?
This will depend greatly on your insurance carrier. Carolina Travel Care does not file insurance claims for services. You will be expected to pay in full, at the time of your visit. We can provide you with an itemized receipt, which you can submit to your insurance company.
What forms of payment is accepted?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, checks or cash. Payment is due at the time of service.
Can I get the vaccines at my doctor’s office?
Your doctor may carry some of the vaccines you will need. Several are only available at a certified travel clinic. We are completely up to date on recent disease outbreaks and changes in recommendations for travelers. If you do decide to get some of your vaccines elsewhere, you may need to wait up to 4 weeks before getting additional immunizations. (It is generally advised that you get all needed vaccines simultaneously).
Where can I get the prevention medicines I might need for my trip?
Most of the commonly prescribed medications are readily available at your local pharmacy. Occasionally, you may need to wait several days for the medicine to be ordered. For your convenience, there is a fully licensed outpatient pharmacy available in our lobby.
What if I get sick during my trip or after I get home?
We are staffed with 3 board certified Infectious Disease Specialists, who are trained in dealing with tropical diseases. You can call us to schedule an appointment, if needed. Expedited appointments are available if you received all your pre-travel care from us.
Can I get other “non-travel” vaccines?
Yes. We have available all common vaccine for adults, including Influenza vaccine (Flu shot) and Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumonia shot). We are able to provide Meningococcal (meningitis) vaccine for high school/college students, Rabies vaccine for veterinary students, and routine Hepatitis A and B vaccine series. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil®) is available for girls/women aged 9-24, for the prevention certain types of cervical cancer. Zostavax® is available for the prevention of Herpes Zoster (shingles) in adults age 60 and above. For your convenience, the Non-Travel Vaccine Health History Form can be filled out in advance of your appointment.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us by phone or e-mail to schedule an appointment, or if you have additional questions.