Travel clinic prepares students for Spring Break abroad

West Virginia University's International Travel Clinic educates students on the health risks associated with travel destinations.

With Spring Break approaching, some students will be traveling abroad, and the travel clinic could help prepare them for the trip.

While many students have consulted the clinic by phone to review their immunization histories, some also have immunization histories reviewed during appointments.

"All students traveling anywhere should have their immunizations up to date especially tetanus, hepatitis B and now hepatitis A vaccines," said Jacqueline Mier, registered nurse, at the WVU International Travel Clinic.

Before appointments, students should review records with a primary care physician or parents and may review this information if needed with the travel clinic.

"Generally those students traveling to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe have the same health risks as in the United States and do not need a travel appointment but do need a required OIP travel abroad physical that can be scheduled through the general medicine appointment number," Mier said.

Food, water and infectious diseases are more prevalent in developing countries so precautions should be taken, Mier said.

The travel clinic helps determine risks for students' destinations using International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers, which combines Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and State departments recommendations to educate the student.

Prescriptions for traveler's diarrhea and malaria are available through the travel clinic.

Along with immunizations, the travel clinic provides security and cultural information.

Students should research their travel itinerary, accommodations, consular information, and emergency plan and contacts.

For more information, contact Mier 304-203-1379 or visit the Web site through the student health Web site at well.wvu.edu.