The Travel and Immunization Center is closed until further notice.
Providing comprehensive travel counseling and immunization services
It is the mission of Ohio State's Travel and Immunization Center at Rardin Family Medicine to provide comprehensive travel counseling and immunization services to domestic and international travelers to promote optimal health and therefore, enjoyment of their travel experiences.
During the appointment, a professional nurse consultant will meet with the traveler to provide advice and recommendations specific to the country of destination. Included will be information that is updated daily regarding vaccine recommendations, health alerts, disease outbreaks, social or political conflicts or uprisings. Medications to assist in preventing malaria in risk areas, and medications to treat traveler’s diarrhea will also be discussed. If pertinent to person’s travel, discussion can also include recommendations for altitude illness and motion sickness. If no health restrictions are determined at time of consult, the traveler may choose to receive recommended vaccines and obtain travel related prescriptions at that initial visit. Certain health conditions including pregnancy and breast feeding could restrict travelers from being able to receive vaccines and medications. Food and beverage precautions and insect repellant information will also be provided at the appointment.
Ideally, pre travel consultation and care should begin at least 10-12 weeks before travel. This allows enough time to assess any travel risks, to complete recommended immunizations and obtain medications and other medical supplies. Some vaccines may need to be done in a series to obtain the best immunity or protection, so it is good to have an earlier appointment. We also see last minute travelers as many vaccines do not need to be done in a series, and many vaccines begin to take effect in a few days. In addition, we discuss other recommendations to help ensure safe travel.
If the traveler desires to do his or her own research before coming to the appointment, a great free source of information can be found on the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Appointments
Travel consultation appointments are Monday through Friday. Depending on the day, the earliest appointment may begin at 8 a.m. and the last appointment of the day may begin at 3:30 p.m.When arriving for the appointment, please park behind the building in reserved parking spot and come to first floor main desk to register.
Other things to know:
Presently there is a nationwide manufacturing shortage of the yellow fever vaccine. The Ohio State Travel and Immunization Center is not able to provide this vaccine currently; however there are other specific facilities that can provide the vaccine during the shortage. It is not known presently when the shortage will be over, but it could continue into the summer of 2018, possibly longer.
Please bring to the appointment:
- List of historical vaccines from birth to present, or if written list is not available, we will need knowledge of specific vaccine history/approximate date of vaccines or if you've had the disease instead of vaccine. This will assist in preventing receiving unnecessary vaccines.
- List of names of current medications
- Knowledge of medical history and any health conditions
- Cash, check or credit card for payment. Payment in full is expected at time of service. Each vaccine has a cost and there is a charge to administer the vaccine also.
Travel and Immunization Center
Rardin Family Medicine
2231 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: 614-293-2700, option 5
Hours: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.