A traveler with a rolling case - courtesy Getty Images

Travel Medicine

Planning a trip abroad?

Let us help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure! Our clinic offers pretravel immunizations, counseling, laboratory testing, and prescriptions for medicines that will help protect you while travelling internationally.

Our clinic is a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine. Our specialist will review your personal medical history and provide up-to-date information and recommendations based on where you are going.

We provide:

Customized health and safety counseling based on your itinerary and style of travel
Review of potential health risks, and required and recommend immunizations
U.S. State Department Travel Resources and travel advisories to the travel area
General travel health and safety information offered by the CDC
Prescriptions for recommended medications for problems you may encounter
Information regarding health insurance while abroad

Plan Ahead!

Schedule your travel medicine appointment 2-4 months before your trip.

Prepare for Your Visit:

Please arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled appointment
Bring your current immunization record
Bring or be knowledgeable about your trip itinerary.
Fill out, print, and bring the UTHS Travel Medicine Questionnaire to your appointment. If this is not filled out, it will delay your appointment.

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Travel Medicine FAQ

What is travel medicine?

Travel medicine focuses on preventive care to keep travelers healthy. UT Health Services will provide a comprehensive, individualized risk assessment that considers the traveler’s health history, itinerary, and destination. We provide immunizations as well as recommendations regarding safety and disease prevention.

How do I know which immunizations to get before I travel?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization provide up-to-date recommendations and information about vaccines required for travel to countries around the world. Your travel medicine provider at UT Health Services will determine which immunizations you need based on your itinerary, immunization history, and health status.
When should I get my immunizations?

It’s best to start the process six to eight weeks before departure.
Can I receive vaccines if I’m pregnant?

You should check with your obstetrical provider before scheduling any immunizations. Some travel immunizations have not been adequately studied in women who are pregnant.
Do my children need vaccines for travel?

In many cases, yes. However, some immunizations cannot be administered to small children and infants. UT Health Services is currently not administering immunizations for children under the age of 16. Please check with your pediatric provider.
I have a compromised immune system. Am I able to receive vaccines?

In most cases, immunizations can still be given. We recommend that you discuss immunizations with your health care provider and receive approval prior to your travel consultation.
I am visiting family in my home country. Do I still need these immunizations?

Your travel risk should be assessed, regardless of your international destination. Depending on how long it has been since you visited, your immunity to common diseases may have waned.

Will the visit and immunizations be covered by my health insurance?

Immunizations for the purpose of foreign travel are NOT typically covered by health insurance plans; therefore, we do not file a claim to your insurance plan. We can provide you with a receipt if you wish to file a claim with your insurance. Payment is due at the time of service: We will collect the full fee for each immunization administered at the time of service. We accept credit card for payments.
What information should I bring to my visit?

You should provide your detailed itinerary including the country and province(s) you will be visiting as well as a list of anticipated activities. It is also important to bring a list of your current medications and your previous vaccination records. To help you prepare, once you have your appointment you may fill out this Travel Medicine Questionnaire and it will be routed directly to the clinic. Or you may choose to fill it out, print it, and bring it with you to your visit.
Are walk-in appointments available for travel medicine?

All travel appointments need to be scheduled.
I may need something for diarrhea and motion sickness. Can you provide these prescriptions as well?

In most cases, UT Health Services can provide either prescriptions or recommendations for over-the-counter medications that will work for common traveler ailments.
I’m really only concerned about malaria. Can I just get a prescription?

An appointment is required not only to prescribe the malaria prophylaxis but to assess your risks and determine whether additional immunizations are needed.
I’m almost out of my blood pressure medication. Can you prescribe more during my travel appointment?

If you are an established patient at UT Health Services, we can ensure you have adequate refills on your daily medications. Otherwise, please consult with your personal health care provider for any prescriptions or medications needed on a daily basis.

UT Health Services

A Workplace Partner
A Health Care Home

Call 713-500-3267 or

Request Appointment Online

6410 Fannin St., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77030

Insurance Notice

Payment is due at the time of service. All immunizations for the purpose of foreign travel are NOT typically covered by health insurance plans; therefore, we do not file a claim to your insurance plan. We can provide you with a receipt if you wish to file a claim with your insurance. We will collect the full fee for each immunization administered at the time of service.

For UTHealth Houston Employees

UT Health Services provides immunizations and other travel health services to UTHealth Houston employees traveling internationally for work. More information on travel assistance provided by the university is accessible on the intranet with your UTHealth Houston login credentials.

Useful Travel Websites

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people - at home and abroad.
United States Department of State - The State Department provides the latest travel warnings and information on how to get visas and passports.
World Health Organization - The United Nations' specialized agency for health which seeks the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers - A non-profit foundation established in 1960, whose aim is to advise travelers about health risks; geographical distribution of diseases; immunization requirements for all countries; and to make available to travelers around the world competent medical care by western-trained doctors who speak English in addition to their native language.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol provides helpful information on returning from trips abroad and on it's Know Before You Visit website.

Companies providing fee-based travel services:

International SOS – This group of companies provides fee-based travel insurance coverage including 24-hour medical assistance.
MedjetAssist- MedjetAssist will bring you to your choice of hospital if you are hospitalized more than 150 miles from home and require hospitalization once you reach your desired destination.