International Travel Vaccinations
There are many vaccines available that are not regularly recommended or required in the United States because the diseases that are prevented by the vaccines are not prevalent to the United States. However, persons traveling outside of the United States may be required to receive immunization against the vaccine preventable diseases that are common to foreign countries. These vaccinations can be received for small fee only in the Preventive Health Clinic of the Main Health Department and require an appointment. To schedule appointments, please call 865-215-5070. . For a list of available vaccines, please refer to the Immunization Availability and Cost List below.
*** To provide the most complete services, record of past vaccinations is mandatory.
*** A travel assessment is required in order to receive travel immunizations at the Knox County Health Department International Travel and Preventive Health Clinic.
Travel Assessment
Travel is a lot of fun and a great way to increase your appreciation of our world, but there can be risks associated with traveling and living in all areas of the world.
When you're traveling abroad, a travel assessment will help you prepare for any health risks of your trip. During the travel assessment, the travel clinic nurse provides information and emphasizes the best ways to prevent travel-related illnesses.
A traveler's regular health care provider should evaluate pre-existing medical conditions.
Please note: During your travel assessment be prepared to provide answers for the following questions:
Review your itinerary
- What countries will you visit, and in what order? Some countries require proof of vaccination when you enter from certain countries because of diseases that may be occurring in those areas.
- How long will you stay in each country? With longer trips, you have more potential exposure to insects, food- and water-borne illness and other infectious diseases.
- When does your trip begin? If you are leaving in less than two weeks, you may not have time to get all the recommended doses of vaccine, or you may not have developed full protection yet.
- What type of accommodations will you stay in?
- Where will you eat your meals and get water to drink?
- What types of activities will you participate in on your trip? Do they have high altitude, swimming in areas with water-borne bacteria and parasites, possible exposure to bites of domestic or wild animals, etc???
- Are insects a problem where you are going? Diseases spread by mosquitoes occur all over the world, even in areas of the world we usually think of as safe ( Mexico and Hawaii).
- Allergies???
- Medications???
- Chronic illnesses or medical conditions???
- Pregnancy???
Medical and emergency care while traveling
- Where would you get health care in an emergency during your trip?
- What first aid supplies should you bring with you?
- Do you have prescription medications or eyeglasses?
Vaccine requirements and recommendations
- Which vaccines are required or recommended? What vaccines have you already had? How to schedule needed doses: some vaccines may be given together, some must be separated in time from other vaccines, and some require more than one dose and have specific minimum time intervals. Some vaccines or medications (for example, anti-malarial medication and oral typhoid vaccine) require a prescription.
