Away Clinic: Vaccines for International Travel
Phoenix, AZ Clinic
Away Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona is a travel clinic that provides vaccines for international travelers, including yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and other hard-to-find vaccines. We keep all major travel vaccines in stock at all times. Our highly-trained and experienced travel health nurse can tell you exactly what immunizations you need for any trip abroad. In addition to vaccines, we also offer malaria prescriptions that can be filled at any Arizona pharmacy. We also have travel clinics in Scottsdale and Chandler.
2811 Agua Fria Fwy Suite 1 Studio 27, Phoenix, AZ 85027
Yellow fever certifications
As an Arizona-state certified yellow fever vaccination clinic, Away Clinic is able to offer the yellow fever vaccine. This also means that Away Clinic can provide you with proof of yellow fever vaccination in the form of an internationally-recognized and accepted yellow vaccine card. This official vaccine card is necessary for entry into many African countries. Don't lose your yellow vaccine card! We recommend storing it in a safe place with your passport. We can also write yellow fever vaccine waivers for those over 60 years old, or who have medical contraindications. In addition to the yellow fever vaccine, Away Clinic offers typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and any other vaccine you may need for your trip abroad. Read more about yellow fever.
Getting to our travel clinic in Phoenix, AZ
Our Phoenix, AZ clinic is conveniently located near the intersections of the I-17 and the 101 in North Phoenix. From the 101, turn south on 27th Avenue. Turn in to the Target shopping center at your immediate right. After you drive by Target, you'll see a location that says "Salon" on the left. Away Clinic is inside the Salon!
If you run into any difficulties finding our Phoenix clinic, just call us at (480) 712-8865.
Why is the typhoid vaccine so often recommended for travelers?
The typhoid vaccine is recommended for nearly every part of the developing world, including most tropical and many sub-tropical locations, because the disease is easily transmitted through contaminated water and food. Anywhere you go, if you want to eat or drink while there-you are at risk if there is active typhoid transmission in the area. Things that can increase the risk of typhoid transmission include poor sanitation and water contamination. Unfortunately, most of the developing world lacks the sewer and water systems you may be accustomed to in the United States. Additionally, the people preparing your food may be infected with typhoid without knowing it. Typhoid is treatable, but an estimated 128,000 to 161,000 die from typhoid every year. We do provide the typhoid vaccine at Away Clinic and we can advise you on whether you need it and what the risk level is for your trip. We also offer yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and any other vaccines you may need for where you're traveling to. Read more about typhoid.
Why visit a travel clinic prior to travel?
Travel clinics are well-versed in travel-related vaccinations and can advise you on the specific immunizations needed for your destination. Different countries have different vaccine requirements and recommendations based on the risk of diseases like yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, polio, meningitis, and others. Getting the appropriate vaccines helps protect you from potentially serious illnesses.
Travel clinics are also one-stop shops that typically offer malaria prescription services and travel health advice to keep you healthy during your trip.
While speaking with your primary care physician is often advised before undertaking a big trip, they are unlikely to have access to hard-to-find travel vaccines such as the yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX) and oral typhoid vaccine (ty21a). More than likely your doctor will refer you to Away Clinic for your vaccines and possibly your malaria prescription too.
It is very important that you not travel to developing and tropical countries without getting your shots first. International travel carries risks and you don't want to end up sick in bed during your whole trip--or worse.
Timing of travel vaccines
If you are planning a big international trip, it is recommended that you contact Away Clinic 6 to 8 weeks prior to your departure. It can take time to get all recommended and required vaccines because some require multiple doses. Here are a few timing issues to consider:
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Many countries in Africa require you to receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to entry. It is generally recommended that you get all of your vaccines at least 10 days prior to exposure, or prior to arriving in your destination country in order to ensure maximum possible immunity. Note, however, that immunity starts building right away so don't be discouraged from getting shots if you don't have ten days left before your trip.
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Rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and a few other vaccines require multiple doses that are spaced apart. Spacing is usually 7 to 28 days, depending on the vaccine, so plan ahead.
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The 28-day rule. If you get a live vaccine, such as yellow fever, you must either get other live vaccines at the same time or wait 28 days to receive other live vaccines.
These are just a few timing issues to consider. Please give us a call with any questions.
The most common travel vaccines
The vaccinations you need to get before your trip depend on where you are going, what you will be doing while you're there, and your medical and vaccination history. Here are our most commonly administered vaccines to give you an idea:
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Yellow fever vaccine (YF-VAX) is required for many countries in Africa and recommended for parts of Latin America.
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Typhoid vaccine available in both oral (known as Ty21a or Vivotif) and injectable (Typhim Vi) is recommended for travel to the developing world due to lack of modern sanitation and water treatment infrastructure.
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Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended for Southeast and East Asia for travelers who plan to stay a long time or who have higher exposure to mosquitoes due to planned activities.
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Polio is surging worldwide and the CDC is recommending a one-time booster for adult travelers to many international destinations.
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Meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine is recommended for travel to the meningitis belt in Africa during the dry season (June-October) and required for people taking part in pilgrimages in Saudi Arabia.
But it really depends on the situation so give us a call if you're traveling and we'll set you up with a travel health nurse who can tell you exactly what you need and give you the shots all in one trip.
