International Travel Vaccinations

Travel questions? E-mail us at knox.travel@knoxcounty.org or call 865-215-5071 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Persons traveling outside of the United States may be required to receive immunization against diseases that are common to foreign countries, but not prevalent in the U.S., such as malaria and typhoid fever. The Knox County Health Department International Travel Clinic is located in the Preventive Health Clinic of the main facility on Dameron Avenue in Knoxville, and offers vaccines recommended or required for travel outside the United States. The clinic follows recommendations set forth by the CDC.

Appointments are required for travel immunizations. Please use the contact information listed at the top of this page. Plan to receive your travel vaccines a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure.

Click here ( http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/vaccinations.aspx ) to find more information about the area you plan to visit and the recommended and/or required vaccines. Educate yourself about your travel destination to help ensure a safe and successful trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Knox County Health Department only accepts cash or checks. We are unable to file insurance claims or process debit/credit cards. To access the vaccine price list, click here [ http://www.knoxcounty.org/health/pdfs/vaccination_charges.pdf ]

If you are traveling to a malaria risk area, the travel nurse will advise you on appropriate anti-malaria medication and provide you with a written letter of recommendation for your health care provider. Knox County Health Department no longer provides prescriptions for anti-malaria medication. It is the traveler's responsibility to follow up with a health care provider to obtain the recommended anti-malaria medication.

During your travel appointment, please be prepared to provide the following information about you and your future trip:

Documentation/Forms

• Immunization records

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.

Risk factors for health problems on your trip

• What type of accommodations will you have?
• Where will you eat your meals and get water to drink?
• What types of activities will you participate in on your trip?

Your medical history

• Allergies
• Medications
• Chronic illnesses or medical conditions. A traveler's regular health care provider should evaluate pre-existing medical conditions.
• Pregnancy