Travel clinic consultations have been available at various physician offices for years, and are a great idea as a part of preparation for international travel to areas where tropical diseases or health concerns not seen in your local area may be encountered. Friday in the office a physician acquaintance presented for a physical exam prior to going to Africa on a 6 month mission trip, and I asked him if he had looked into any immunizations he might need. I was surprised when he told me that he had used the local Safeway Pharmacy Travel Clinic service to get all of his immunizations done. In the past I’d had patients come to the office, or go to the local infectious disease office where they have a travel clinic. I’d then discuss their travel, review the information on the terrific CDC web site to see if there are any immunizations or malaria chemoprophylaxis they needed, and then look for a pharmacy who could give them the shots (or pills in the case or typhoid immunizations).
I checked the Safeway Site, and they do offer a very inexpensive service. It costs $45 for an online physician consultation and you get a prescription for any needed immunizations as well as a booklet outlining needed immunizations and treatments. Then the pharmacist can administer any shots due. This seems like a great service.
Now I’m not in the business of recommending patients not see me for their care very often, but I have to say I doubt that I can offer a better service at a competitive price. On looking online for similar services it looks like Fred Meyer Pharmacies offer some similar service, but I have to say I couldn’t figure out how to use it, but the Safeway service seemed quite simple and user friendly.
I recommend that if you plan to travel to an area of potential concern that you first go to the CDC Traveler’s Health web site. Simply select the country or countries you plan to visit, and read the information provided. If any immunizations are recommended, or if you may need malaria prophylaxis consider a pharmacy based program like the Safeway program if one is available in your area.