The Travel Service provides information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) as well as immunizations and travel consultations for international travelers. The service is available by appointment for students only.

The Travel Service goal is to promote safe, health travel through education and administration of preventive vaccines and medications.

Please read the following information first. Call the McKinley Health Center at 217-333-2700 to make an appointment and ask any further questions.

Pre-Travel Checklist

START EARLY...preferably three months before your travel to prepare for your trip. Use the following checklist:

• Have an eye exam if you wear contact lens or glasses.
• Before you leave, have a dental exam and teeth cleaned.
• Medic-Alert bracelets are recommended if you have a drug allergy or chronic condition that may present a medical emergency.
• Check your health insurance for coverage during travel - Important to have both medical evacuation insurance and health insurance. Having to be evacuated for illness or injury is very costly!
• PLAN ITINERARY CAREFULLY - STUDY CDC RECOMMENDATIONS prior to having travel consultation.
• Plan a travel consultation 6-8 weeks prior to travel especially for Asia, Africa, Central and South America.

Plan To Take

• Copies of prescriptions for contact lens or glasses.
• Copies of identification - passport, birth certificate, credit card number in case of loss.
• Travel letter stating need for medications - available from the McKinley nurse or from your provider.
• Health insurance forms (you may need them).

Medical Supplies

• Prescription medication in original containers.
• Birth control pills or other methods of contraception - enough for entire stay.
• Safer sex supplies - condoms, lubricants.
• Take medication for yeast infection if a woman with a history of recurrent vaginitis.
• Over-the-counter medications: Such as pain relievers/fever control-ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) - anything used on a routine basis.
• Personal items: contact lens solutions; toothpaste; deodorant; sunscreen; tampons; bandages; shampoo

Travel Web Addresses

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
Information included in the CDC site: Geographic health recommendations. Disease transmitted by insects, food, water and people.

SHORELAND'S TRAVEL HEALTH ONLINE 
Provides information about 220 countries in four main categories: country profiles (climate & topography), travel health concerns, preventive medications & vaccines, travel illness updates.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 
Provides travel warning/consular information sheets, travel publications, passport information.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAVELERS (IAMAT) 
Can order booklet listing English-speaking physicians worldwide.

Travel Service

• Immunizations recommended based on planned activities and places visited.
• There is a charge for travel vaccines and medication.

• WHO Vaccination Booklet listing travel vaccines.
• Prescriptions to prevent malaria and treat traveler's diarrhea.
• Travel letter listing medications and medical equipment will be provided upon request. Contact airline for any new rules about medication and medical equipment.

Travel Consultations

• Plan travel consultation 6-8 weeks before trip. Questions? Call 217-333-2700.
• Travel consultations are by appointment only. Call 217-333-2700 to make an appointment.
• Become familiar with CDC travel recommendations 
• Allow approximately one hour for the initial visit to discuss travel. Download and bring the completed Travel History Form.
• Bring any records of vaccines already received.
• Usually two different vaccines can be given per visit.
• Payment for vaccines and medications can be made at the McKinley Business Office or students can charge their accounts.