Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

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Travel Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Shots Will I Need?

At the time of your visit, your healthcare provider will determine which vaccines are needed. The choice of vaccines depends on where and when you are traveling, your past vaccination history, and your health history. We will review your routine vaccine record and update your vaccines as needed. Additional vaccines may include one or more of the following:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • Meningococcus
  • Polio
  • Pneumococcus
  • Rabies
  • Typhoid fever
  • Yellow fever
  • Routine (standard) immunizations or boosters against acellular pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), and tetanus

How Soon Before My Trip Should I See You?

Ideally, schedule your appointment at least four to six weeks before your trip. While it is possible to receive most of the vaccines within two to four weeks of your trip, a few vaccines (including those for rabies and Japanese encephalitis) require you to get multiple doses within a four-week span.

Will My Insurance Cover This?

Please check with your primary care doctor first to see if you need a referral. We accept most major forms of insurance. However, please be aware that some insurance companies may not cover all services. Prior to your appointment, please check with your insurance company regarding what services will be covered.

All non-covered services will be the responsibility of the traveler. If your insurance company does not cover the specialized services that we offer or if you do not have health insurance, you will be responsible for paying all charges at the end of your travel clinic appointment.

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

Please bring your vaccine records, your WHO International Certificate of Immunization (yellow book) if you have one, and a list of medications you are taking.