Medical Check-Up

Before traveling abroad, you should have a general physical by a primary care provider.

In addition, make sure all of your routine immunizations are up to date. Other vaccinations, medications, and precautions specific to each destination will be discussed at your program orientation meetings; focusing on issues such as malaria, traveler’s diarrhea, food and water precautions, insect/animal avoidance techniques, and personal medical history.

We suggest you read the Center for Disease Control Report provided to you at Orientation and then speak with a travel clinic in your area.

Prior to an appointment, each student should attempt to locate their childhood and adult immunization records focusing on the dates for the following:

• Td (Tetanus/Diphtheria) - within the past 5-10 years.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - two doses within a person’s lifetime.
• Polio - completions of primary series as a child (may need a booster depending on travel destination).
• Hepatitis B - every college student should consider.
• Hepatitis A - every college student traveling outside of the US should consider.
• Meningococcal Meningitis - especially for those living in a dormitory setting.
• Chickenpox - know your level of immunity protection (either by disease, blood test or vaccine).
• Pneumococcal - for those with certain chronic health conditions.
• Influenza - every year for those traveling during flu season.
• Tuberculosis (TB) skin test - before departure and have it repeated 10-12 weeks upon return.