Travel Medicine Clinic

Health Plaza Family Medicine Clinic has been certified as an International Travel Medicine Clinic by the Minnesota Department of Health. Anyone requiring pre-travel immunizations should call the clinic at (320) 229-4917 to schedule an appointment. Many travel-related immunizations are needed at least 30 days prior to traveling.

Daniel Smith, MD, is a family medicine physician who has special interest and experience in international medicine. He provides pre-travel counseling and education to international travelers.
Learn more about Dr. Smith

Stay healthy while traveling abroad
If you’re planning a trip abroad, don’t let health problems spoil it. Visit our Travel Medicine Clinic so we can help you stay healthy while traveling.

Our Travel Medicine specialist reviews how your medical history relates to your specific travel plans. We’ll research where you are traveling and share with you the most up-to-date information, including:

• Immunizations and medications: what you may need and when you need it.
• Recent local health concerns: what’s the latest local health news?
• Dietary advice: what to eat and what to avoid.
• Availability of health care in the area: what’s available and when.
• Potential political unrest and other safety issues: how it could affect you.
• Follow-up care upon your return: scheduling it before you go.

When should I make an appointment?
Make your travel medicine appointment as you begin to plan your trip. Ideally, at least six weeks prior to your trip. The earlier the appointment, the more time immunizations have to take effect.

How do I know what immunizations I'll need?
Our providers individualize travel medicine recommendations to your specific medical history, itinerary and planned activities abroad to help minimize your risk of exposure to infection. This individual assessment is especially important as vaccine recommendations can change rapidly.

I already have all the necessary shots, do I still need to be seen at the Travel Medicine Clinic?
In addition to immunizations, we also offer current education materials on your destination and medications to take with you to treat common health problems.

International travelers can contract illnesses from eating certain foods, drinking water and event from an insect bite. Therefore, it is still important to learn about all aspects of travel medicine before you travel. We can help you prevent any bothersome or dangerous illnesses during your trip.

Do I still need to visit the Travel Medicine Clinic if I’m traveling oversees but only stay in urban areas?
Yes. Among other diseases, Hepatitis A, malaria and traveler's diarrhea can be acquired in urban areas.

What should I bring along to my appointment at the Travel Medicine Clinic?

• A detailed itinerary of your travel activities planned.
• All immunization records.
• A complete list of medications you take regularly.

 Does the Travel Medicine Clinic provide yellow fever immunization?
Yes, our clinic is certified by the Minnesota Department of Health to provide yellow fever immunization. To provide yellow fever immunization, clinics are required to demonstrate the ability to safely handle and store the yellow fever vaccine because this particular vaccine has extremely stringent environmental control requirements.

Will my insurance plan cover the costs of the Travel Medicine Clinic appointment?
While many services are covered by insurance, it is important for you to check with your insurance provider to determine whether these travel medicine services are covered by your plan.

 What is the best way to pack my medications?
The patient’s name and dose regimen should be clearly labeled on the original prescription container. Ports of entry officials may require proper identification of medications. Travelers should carry copies of all prescriptions, including their generic names. For controlled substances and injectable medications, travelers should carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery. Certain medications are not permitted in certain countries. If there is a question about these restrictions, particularly with controlled substances, travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Refer to the the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site to determine how to pack medications. They also have special guidelines for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions.

 Where is the Travel Medicine Clinic located?
The Travel Medicine Clinic is located in Suite 1450 at CentraCare Health Plaza, 1900 CentraCare Circle, St. Cloud, Minn. (See map for more information.)

What travel-related services does the Travel Medicine Clinic provide?
The Travel Medicine Clinic provides comprehensive, rapid and individualized travel-related services, before and after an overseas trip, as well as pre-travel recommendations on the following:

• Adoption: pre-travel recommendations to potential parents of children adopted from other countries
• Altitude sickness
• Animal and insect bites prevention
• Blood clot prevention during travel
• Checklist for things you should carry with you
• Heat exhaustion prevention and management
• Influenza or other respiratory infections — prevention advice and information
• Jet lag
• Malaria prevention and medications
• Motion sickness
• Ocean and beach precautions
• Potential for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases
• Safety
• Skin protection from sunburn
• Swimming in lakes and rivers
• Travel health and air evacuation insurance
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Tuberculosis exposure

Our post-travel services include treatment for various conditions including (but not limited to):

• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Malaria
• Parasitic infections
• Respiratory illnesses
• Skin conditions

Helpful Internet resources on this topic:

• World Health Organization, International travel and health
• Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Travelers' Health Yellow Book  
• Canadian Travel Health 
• National Travel Health Network and Centre (United Kingdom)  
• The International Society of Travel Medicine
• Minnesota Department of Health