Q:
I will be traveling to Bolivia in October, staying there until May, and then going to Northern Mexico for two weeks. I was wondering when you would recommend getting a traveling health appointment. And if I am not a summer student, and I will not be a student in the fall, can I still come to you guys here at WWU? How much does the visit cost? What will I need for those countries? Do you recommend a certain traveler's insurance and/or health plan?
A:
A travel clinic visit would be essential for your trip to Bolivia and Mexico. There are immunizations that are required (yellow fever) and others that would be important to safeguard your health. The CDC website www.cdc.gov is very helpful to give you an indication of health issues and immunizations recommended for these countries. Just click on "Travelers Health". Unfortunately, since you won't be registered as a student in the summer or fall, we can't see you at our travel clinic at WWU. You can find a travel clinic in Bellingham or Mt. Vernon or Seattle (Hall Health at UW) at this web site: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/community/immunizations/travel.jsp Compare the current charges for the consult fee and vaccines before you make your appointment. Make sure they can also give you prescriptions for medication to prevent malaria to treat travelers' diarrhea and possibly altitude symptoms if you go to mountainous areas of Bolivia. Have a great trip!
~The Doc
