Travel Medicine

Before taking a trip to a foreign country, you should consult the Department of Travel Medicine at Affinity to find out what immunizations you will need. Protecting yourself from contracting diseases due to unsanitary food and water supplies, infections caused by insects and other potential health hazards is an important consideration when traveling abroad.

The main purpose of the department is to evaluate travelers' risks and needs--based on such factors as their travel destination, the duration of their trip and their overall health--and to give them the appropriate immunizations. Guidelines for immunizations are determined by recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Terry Arthur, a PA-C on staff at Affinity, provides travel medicine services for all patients.  

Immunizations given include the following:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Meningitis
• Tetanus
• Typhoid Fever
• Yellow Fever

Prescriptions for anti-malaria drugs (if needed) are also provided.

Affinity has the distinction of being one of the few state-certified yellow fever immunization clinics in Georgia.

If you are planning a trip, it is crucial to plan ahead. Allow at least six months prior to your travel date if possible. Since some immunizations last a lifetime, while others only last a few years, it is important you make sure your immunizations are up-to-date every time you travel.

Resources
www.cdc.gov/travel