Planning an international trip from Minnesota? Ensuring your health is a top priority, and that includes getting the necessary travel vaccines. Depending on where you’re headed, your age, health status, and activities, specific vaccines are recommended or required. It’s wise to start your preparations early, as some vaccines need to be administered months in advance.
It’s important to note that while the Minnesota Department of Health offers valuable information, they do not provide travel health consultations or administer travel vaccines directly. For these services, you’ll need to turn to specialized Travel Clinics. These clinics are experts in international travel health and can provide the specific vaccinations and advice you need for a safe and healthy trip. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is your best online resource for detailed health information by destination, including recommended vaccines, disease risks, and food and water safety guidelines. You can explore this information on the CDC Travelers’ Health website.
When Should You Visit a Travel Clinic?
Travel clinics are particularly crucial if you are traveling to certain regions.
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For travel to Africa, Central America, or South America: Yellow fever vaccination is often required or highly recommended, along with other specific vaccines. Crucially, only designated international travel health clinics are authorized to administer the yellow fever vaccine. These clinics also offer a comprehensive suite of pre- and post-travel health services. To locate certified yellow fever vaccine clinics, you can use the CDC’s Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic Search tool.
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For travel to Europe, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand: Your regular healthcare provider may be able to administer the necessary travel vaccines. However, for destinations beyond these regions, consulting an international travel health clinic is strongly recommended to ensure you receive the most appropriate and up-to-date health advice and vaccinations.
Beyond destination-specific vaccines, it’s also a smart idea to ensure that both adults and children are current on their routine vaccinations before any international travel. If you’re unsure about your or your family’s routine vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or visit the Immunization section of the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information.
Important Reminder: Always contact the travel clinic prior to your visit. Appointments are usually necessary, and some clinics may require an initial consultation with a healthcare provider.
Authorized Travel Clinics Serving Minnesota Residents
The following international travel health clinics are officially authorized to administer the yellow fever vaccine and provide a range of travel health services for Minnesota residents preparing for international journeys.
- North Iowa Mercy Internal Medicine, Mason City, IA: 800-756-4423
- Fargo/Cass Public Health Department, Fargo, ND: 701-298-6938
- Altru Main Clinic, Grand Forks, ND: 701-780-6234
- Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD: 605-328-8120
- Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, WI: 800-362-9567
- St. Croix Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Falls, WI: 800-828-3627
Remember, the Minnesota Department of Health is a resource for information, but for direct travel health services and vaccinations, utilize the CDC resources and the listed travel clinics. If you have health insurance, it’s also advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for travel vaccines. You can reach the CDC directly for further information at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or TTY: 888-232-6348.
- CDC Travelers’ Health – Your primary resource for destination-specific health information, general travel health advice, and vaccine recommendations.
