Explore Infectious DiseasesInternational Travel Medicine
Before traveling abroad, you can greatly minimize your health risks by visiting the International Travel Medicine group at UConn Health. Since opening in 1984, we have helped thousands of travelers be medically prepared through advice, immunizations, and medications. Adequate pre-travel counseling and immunization are essential to avoid unnecessary risks from both common ailments as well as unfamiliar, "exotic," but typically preventable diseases.
International Travel Medicine Services
- Up-to-date recommendations concerning the prevention of malaria, diarrheal disease, and other travel-related illnesses, Individualized preventative immunization strategies
- Itinerary-specific guidance for each country of destination containing health and safety information
- Advice regarding the care of chronic medical problems
- Travel health insurance information
- Specialized health care and consultation for travelers returning with health problems
- Permanent medical records
- Official Yellow Fever Vaccination Center
- Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, polio, rabies, meningitis, hepatitis B, tetanus, influenza, Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), cholera and the latest COVID-19 variants are available.
- Prescriptions for Malaria, travelers’ diarrhea, and altitude medication
- Country-specific COVID-19 regulations and guidance
Important Information for Travel Visits
How to Access Services
You will need access to MyChart in order to take advantage of this service. Before we can assist you, you must fill out the pre-travel form within MyChart. We will need your itinerary and travel details to provide you with the help you specifically need for your upcoming trip.
Travelers should ideally plan to be evaluated at least 6 to 8 weeks before anticipated departure to allow adequate time for vaccinations to be effective. Patients may be seen in person with on-site inoculations, and follow-up nursing appointments may be scheduled for any inoculations that may be necessary. Families traveling together are encouraged to be evaluated as a group. Adults and children 16 years or older should visit our Farmington clinic. To make an appointment with the Tropical Medicine Service, please call 860-679-2411 or set up an appointment on MyChart.
Schedule Your Travel Consultation
Meet with our physicians for a travel consultation and possible immunizations. After carefully reviewing your situation, they will determine if you need vaccinations. Before you arrive, please fill out the Travel Clinic Questionnaire within your MyChart account.
Tips for Travelers
- The best time to plan your Travel Medicine appointment is as soon as you have your itinerary confirmed
- Some vaccinations may require time to administer properly, so you should plan to obtain necessary travel immunizations at least 6 to 8 weeks before your trip.
- If there is a risk of malaria where you will visit, wear protective clothing, sleep beneath netting or screening, and use repellents to avoid mosquitoes transmitting malaria. Be sure to obtain and take preventive medication. Your Travel Doctor will advise you on the most appropriate interventions based on your unique needs and exposures.
- Bring a first-aid kit with an extra supply of medications you take regularly.
- To help prevent diarrhea during travel to developing countries, avoid salads, fruits you cannot peel yourself, and incompletely cooked meats and seafood. Also, avoid untreated water or ice.
- If you become ill after returning home, remember to inform your physician of your travel history.
Preparing for Post-COVID Travel
The UConn Health Division of Infectious Diseases is poised to meet our travelers’ needs related to post–pandemic travel. COVID vaccine is available. We will help you be prepared for any COVID-19 regulations and help you be ready for air travel or ground transportation such as trains and buses, however long your stay may be or the number of locations you plan to visit.
Meet the Tropical Medicine Service Team
Drs. Kevin Dieckhaus and Mary Snayd operate the UConn Tropical Medicine Service, wiFarmington. We help more than 1,100 patients annually, and with the recovery of the travel industry and increased international bookings since the pandemic, we’ve increased the availability of travel-related consultations. Travel consultations include a detailed analysis of travel-related health risks based on itinerary, planned activities and exposures, and your personal health conditions. Based on these factors, we develop a detailed and personalized preventive health plan for you.
What Sets Our Services Apart
Our international travel healthcare is doctor-run and provides a comprehensive range of services, addressing diverse needs before your trip. This includes routine medical checks and preparation for high-risk, complex situations that may be present through underlying medical conditions, potential exposures and activities while traveling. Certified Travel and Tropical medicine specialists guarantee top-quality care, while our transparent approach fosters pre-trip confidence and trust. Unlike nurse-run programs, , our service offers both vaccination, counseling, and prescription services, ensuring comprehensive health management prior to your journey.