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Why would I need to visit a travel clinic before I go to Africa?

 





Visiting a travel clinic before you go to Africa can be beneficial for several reasons. Travel clinics are staffed by healthcare professionals who are specifically trained in travel medicine and can provide you with the most current and accurate information about your destination, as well as recommendations for preventive measures to keep you safe and healthy while you're traveling.

Here are a few reasons why you may want to visit a travel clinic before going to Africa:

  1. Vaccinations: Many countries in Africa require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, in order to enter the country. Travel clinics can provide these vaccinations and provide you with the necessary documentation. They can also advise you on other vaccinations that may be recommended or required depending on the areas you plan to visit, such as Hepatitis A, Malaria, and Typhoid, etc.
  2. Malaria: Malaria is a serious disease that is present in many parts of Africa. A travel clinic can advise you on the best ways to protect yourself from malaria, including providing you with antimalaria medication, providing tips on how to avoid mosquito bites, and educating you on the signs and symptoms of malaria.
  3. Travel health information: A travel clinic can provide you with information about the health risks present in the areas you'll be visiting, such as what types of food and water to avoid, how to protect yourself from heat stroke, and what to do in case of an emergency.
  4. Travel insurance: It is always recommended to have a good insurance coverage when traveling abroad, A travel clinic can advise you on how to get the best travel insurance coverage to suit your needs and destinations.
Overall, a visit to a travel clinic before you leave for Africa can help ensure that you're prepared for the trip and that you have all the information and resources you need to stay healthy and safe while you're there.

What kinds of shots do they give at travel clinics?

Travel clinics typically offer a range of vaccinations that are recommended or required for travel to certain destinations. Some of the most common vaccines given at travel clinics include:

  • Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with a high incidence of Hepatitis A, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
  • Hepatitis B: This vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with a high incidence of Hepatitis B, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
  • Yellow fever: This vaccine is required for travel to certain parts of Africa and South America, and is recommended for travelers going to these areas.
  • Rabies: This vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with a high incidence of rabies, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR): This vaccine is recommended for travelers who may not have been fully vaccinated against these diseases, or who may have never been vaccinated.
  • Typhoid: This vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with a high incidence of typhoid, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
  • Cholera: This vaccine is recommended for travelers going to areas with a high incidence of cholera, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.
  • MenACWY: This vaccine is recommended for people traveling to the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa during the dry season (Dec-June), especially those who plan to live in close quarters such as dormitories, or plan on doing activities where close contact with the local population is expected.
  • JE (Japanese Encephalitis): This vaccine is recommended for people traveling to areas where the disease is endemic, especially those planning extended stays, rural or agricultural areas and those with increased risk of exposure to mosquito bites
This is not a comprehensive list, and the specific vaccines that a travel clinic offers may vary depending on the location of the clinic and the destinations that its clients typically travel to. It's recommended that you consult with a healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to find out which vaccines are recommended or required for your specific travel itinerary.

How much does it cost to get my shots at a travel clinic?

Most travel clinics don't post their pricing but Away Clinic does. This is what you could expect to pay at Away Clinic in Arizona:

Travel vaccines (price is per dose)​
  • Appointment fee - $45
  • Japanese encephalitis - $390 (2 dose)
  • Malaria - $20 prescription through GoodRx
  • Polio - $96
  • Rabies - $425 (2 dose)
  • Tetanus (Td) - $60
  • Typhoid - $154 injectable/$180 oral
  • Yellow fever - $279
  • Other vaccine prices available by request

What if I decide not to get shots before going abroad?

It's generally recommended that you get vaccinated before traveling abroad to protect yourself from potentially serious infectious diseases that may be more common in the country you're visiting. However, not getting vaccinated before a trip can also depend on the country you are going, the season and the specific activities you plan to do.

If you are not vaccinated and still plan to travel, it's important to be aware of the health risks and take steps to protect yourself while abroad. This might include things like practicing good hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, and being mindful of what you eat and drink.

You should also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for travel recommendations and advisories for the country you're visiting, as well as any requirements for entry, such as proof of vaccination.

It's also essential to have a health insurance coverage that will cover you abroad and also check if the country you are going to has a reciprocal health agreement with your country, so you may be able to get medical assistance in case of emergency.

It's also a good idea to inform yourself about the local health facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, in case you need medical assistance.

Overall, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and if you're planning a trip abroad, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to determine what vaccinations you may need and to ensure that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations before you go.
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Location: Chandler, AZ, USA

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