Pediatric Travel Medical Consultation
Any time you travel to a new country, there are risks associated with contracting disease. These risks are often magnified when traveling with young children, who may not have fully developed immunity to common diseases. That’s why it’s so important to schedule a pediatric travel medicine consultation before taking your family on an international trip. Our office recommends coming in for the travel medicine consultation 1 month prior to your travel.
A pediatric travel medicine consultation typically has three parts: review of the child’s medical history, discussion of the planned itinerary and recommended vaccinations, and review of the child’s immunization records. They will also provide you with a list of common symptoms to watch out for and advice on what to do if your child becomes ill while abroad. With a little preparation, you can help ensure that your family has a safe and healthy trip.
Review of the child’s medical history
The first part of the pediatric travel medicine consultation is a review of the child’s medical history. The doctor will ask about any existing medical conditions, such as allergies or asthma, and any medications that the child is currently taking. This information will help the doctor determine which vaccinations are necessary and which health risks need to be taken into consideration when planning the trip.
Discussion of the planned itinerary and recommended vaccinations
The second part of the pediatric travel medicine consultation is a discussion of the planned itinerary and recommended vaccinations. The doctor will take into account the destination(s), length of stay, type of accommodation, and activities that are planned during the trip. Based on this information, they will recommend which vaccines are necessary to protect against diseases that are common in those areas. For example, if you are traveling to a country where malaria is endemic, the doctor may recommend antimalarial medication.
Review of the child’s immunization records
The third part of the pediatric travel medicine consultation is a review of the child’s immunization records. It is important to bring these records with you to the consultation so that the doctor can ensure that your child is up-to-date on all routine childhood vaccinations. In some cases, additional vaccinations may be recommended based on your travel plans. For example, if you are traveling to an area where yellow fever is present, your child may need to be vaccinated prior to departure.
A pediatric travel medicine consultation is an important step in ensuring a safe and healthy trip for your family. During the consultation, your doctor will review your child’s medical history, discuss your travel plans, and recommend any necessary vaccinations. Be sure to bring your child’s immunization records with you to the consultation so that the doctor can make sure they are up-to-date on all routine childhood vaccinations.
More Common Illnesses We Treat
If your child is experiencing any symptoms of any condition don’t hesitate to call us. We are here to assist with treatment and preventative measures for your family.