Travel medicine

When you’re traveling abroad, you want every aspect of your trip to go well. Unfortunately, each year as many as 25 percent of Americans who travel abroad experience some type of illness during their trip. On a typical two-week trip, travelers can lose an average of three days because of illness.

The Edward-Elmhurst Health travel medicine specialists can help you take proactive steps to stay healthy and make most of your experience. Contact our travel medicine specialists at least six weeks before your departure, and we’ll customize a plan that prepares you for every place on your itinerary.

What to expect at the travel medicine clinic

When you visit our travel medicine clinic, you’ll consult with one of our specialists about your trip. The discussion will cover:

  • All the places you’re visiting, the purpose and timing of your travels, and how long you plan to stay
  • Activities you’re planning on your trip, such as mountain climbing or mission work
  • Your vaccination and medical history, including allergies
  • Your current medications

Travel medicine tailored to your needs

Based on your consultation, we will recommend the appropriate vaccines and prescriptions for your trip. Recommendations will be customized to your unique needs. For example, you may need medication to limit altitude sickness during a climbing expedition. You’ll also learn how to plan for water and food safety, protect yourself from disease-carrying mosquitoes, and deal with traveler’s diarrhea and other common ailments.

We carefully consider the risks and benefits of vaccines and medicines and, in some cases, provide an explanatory waiver rather than a vaccination. This document explains the decision not to give a vaccine, typically due to a person's age, medical condition or current medications.

Vaccines and immunizations

The Edward-Elmhurst travel medicine clinic offers the following vaccines:

  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Influenza
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Meningitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Polio
  • Rabies
  • Tdap
  • Tetanus
  • Typhoid
  • Varicella
  • Yellow Fever*

*CDC Certified Yellow Fever Immunization site.

Certain vaccinations may require more than one dose and/or a follow-up consultation.

Make an appointment six weeks in advance

Travel medicine consultations must be scheduled in advance. A 4-6 week lead time is strongly recommended for most vaccinations, as there may be a waiting period before the vaccine becomes effective. Payment is due at the time of service. Most insurance companies do not reimburse for this service.

Services offered at:

Edward Hospital Campus
100 Spalding, Suite 212
Naperville, IL 60540

To schedule an appointment, call 630-527-7299.