The Student Health Center can help with your travel needs
There are no travel immunization requirements for Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Schedule an appointment with the Student Health Center to discuss recommendations for tropical and subtropical environments such as Africa, Latin America, and South America.
Your best source of information is the Centers for Disease Control
The CDC has the latest, up-to-date immunization and travel health information for all destinations. Go to directly to the travel page here: (CDC) Traveler’s Health website
There is much international concern at this time about the mosquito borne Zika virus. We highly recommend that you go to the CDC’s Zika webpage and learn more. While only 1 out of 5 people infected with the Zika virus develops symptoms, the major concern at this time is in pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant. We strongly discourage any of our pregnant students from traveling to countries with Zika virus at this time.
Review your past immunizations
Your last tetanus shot should be within the past ten years. You should have two MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) shots, at least four polio vaccinations and three hepatitis B shots.
Start Hepatitis A shots
We recommend starting the Hepatitis A series of two shots, preferably, the first at least one month before travel. The second shot is six months later.
Take malaria prevention medication
The most common medications for malaria prevention are taken once a week starting a few days before your trip, during your trip and for four weeks after the trip. The exact medication depends on your destination.
Get immunized against typhoid fever
While the Student Health Center does not carry the shot version, we can give you a prescription for the oral form. More information here.
Take an anti-diarrhea prescription with you
You should consider taking Cipro or Zithromax (antibiotics) in case of traveler’s diarrhea.
Buy mosquito repellent
Malaria and Zika are not the only diseases carried by mosquitoes. Read about Dengue Fever and Chikungunya before you travel. There is no vaccine or treatment. Prevent mosquito bites in the first place.
If you are traveling to South America, find out if you need a Yellow Fever vaccination.
See the Provider
We recommend that you make an appointment with a provider in the SHC to review your medical history, immunizations, discuss travel recommendations, and receive prescriptions for the above items for university sponsored travel programs. For recreational travel abroad trips, see either your primary care provider, health department, or a travel clinic. Other resources include:
- CVS Minute Clinic: 1511 Jefferson Davis Hwy (at the intersection of Jefferson Davis and Cowan Blvd)
- Minute Clinic: 540-899-6874
- Pharmacy: 540-373-4607
- Giant Pharmacy: 1245 Jefferson Davis Hwy (located by Eagle Village)
- Passport Health: 512 Westwood office park (located off Route 3 by Staples)