Travel immunization services
Each year a growing number of children travel abroad for family vacations,
overseas study, field trips or to accompany their parents on business trips.
Parents may not be aware of the special health risks their children face when
traveling outside of the country.
Travel to certain areas can bring exposure to cholera, malaria, typhoid,
yellow fever and other diseases that may be especially harmful to children.
Proper precautions and immunizations can provide most children with the
protection they need.
Children's Memorial Hospital, through the Division of
Infectious Diseases, offers a travel immunization program, one of the few in the Chicago
area offering comprehensive, specialized pediatric travel health services.
Following the guidelines developed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention,
the program provides the appropriate immunizations for these communicable diseases.
The travel program is led by a team of physicians and registered nurses who
have special training in foreign health issues as they affect the health of
children. The clinic is also supported by nationally recognized physicians who
treat children with infectious diseases.
Personalized care for young travelers
Based on the completion of a brief immunization screening questionnaire, a
pediatric nurse will assess the child's individual needs. Specific
recommendations will be provided for each child based on travel destinations and
past medical history. Parents will receive instructions on preventive medicine,
hygiene, and dietary precautions.
Traveler's certificate
Upon the completion of the immunizations, each child will receive an
International Certificate of Vaccination, which serves as validation of the
child's immunizations. This certificate should be carried with the passport.
Outpatient services
Outpatient services are offered on the main campus of Children's Memorial Hospital
once a week; late afternoon or early evening appointments
are available. Typical patient charges include a fee for each immunization
and the clinic visit. Since most commercial carriers do not reimburse for travel
immunizations and visits, payment is requested at the time of
service.
For more information about the travel immunization program, please contact
the following numbers:
Appointments: Call 1.800.KIDS.DOC (543.7362).
General information: Call 773.880.4187.