What is a Travel Advice Consultation?
A travel advice consultation is a health-focused appointment designed to prepare travelers for safe and healthy journeys, particularly to destinations where infectious diseases, environmental hazards, or healthcare access issues may pose increased risks. These consultations are typically conducted by healthcare professionals with expertise in travel medicine.

Why is it Important?
Traveling, especially to low- and middle-income countries, can expose individuals to health risks not commonly encountered at home. A travel consultation helps to:

• Prevent illness through vaccinations and preventive medications

• Educate travelers on region-specific risks (e.g., malaria, food and water safety, insect bites)

• Promote safe behavior during travel

• Ensure continuity of care, especially for travelers with chronic conditions

When to Book a Consultation
Ideally, a travel consultation should be scheduled 6 to 8 weeks before departure, though last-minute travelers can still benefit from advice and some urgent immunizations or prescriptions.

What to Expect During the Consultation
A travel health consultation is tailored to the individual’s itinerary, medical history, and planned activities. The appointment typically includes:

1. Risk Assessment

   • Destination(s), including urban vs. rural settings

   • Duration and timing of travel

   • Planned activities (e.g., trekking, diving, visiting farms)

   • Accommodation type and access to medical care

   • Personal health factors (e.g., chronic illnesses, medications, allergies, pregnancy)

2. Vaccination Review and Recommendations

   • Routine immunizations (e.g., MMR, tetanus)

   • Travel-specific vaccines (e.g., Yellow fever, Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese encephalitis)

   • Country entry requirements (e.g., proof of yellow fever vaccination)

3. Malaria and Other Disease Prevention

   • Assessment of malaria risk and prescription of prophylaxis if needed

   • Advice on preventing mosquito and tick bites

   • Information on food, water, and hygiene safety

4. Traveler’s First Aid and Medical Kit Advice

   • Recommendations on over-the-counter medications and supplies to pack

   • Instructions on managing common travel-related issues (e.g., traveler’s diarrhea, motion sickness)

5. COVID-19 and Emerging Disease Guidelines

   • Updates on current travel restrictions, testing, vaccination requirements, and health regulations

6. Documentation

   • International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Book), if required

   • Medical letters for carrying certain medications

Who Should Seek Travel Advice?

• Anyone traveling abroad, especially to developing countries or remote areas

• Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions

• Pregnant travelers

• Families traveling with children

• Long-term travelers, expats, and humanitarian workers