Student Health Center

Travel Abroad

The Student Health Center collaborates with Short Pump Ukrop’s Pharmacy for travel abroad consultations. The following travel medicines and vaccinations may be obtained at Short Pump Ukrops Pharmacy through a Pre-Travel Health Collaborative Agreement (no prescription necessary): Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HPV, Influenza, Japanese Encephalitis, Meningococcal, MMR, Polio, Pneumococcal, Rabies, Tetanus/diphtheria or Tdap, Typhoid, Varicella, and Yellow fever, as well as medicines for altitude sickness, malaria prevention, and traveler's diarrhea.

Students must complete Ukrops' questionnaire regarding specific travel plans at least one month prior to departure. The questionnaire is available through SHC (Dial-A-Nurse at 289-8700) or Short Pump Ukrop’s.  Travel consultations are by appointment at (804) 364-1487.  (Be sure to bring your pharmacy benefits insurance card.)

The SHC does not offer specific travel consultation services; however, students may receive some basic vaccinations as well as TB skin testing (PPD tests) at the SHC.  We can provide a copy of your current immunizations.  If traveling outside the U.S. or Canada for longer than four weeks, a baseline tuberculin skin test (PPD) is recommended 12 months before travel.  A follow-up skin test should be done a minimum of 90 days after your return.  Call Dial-A-Nurse at 289-8700 for information.

See the U.S. State Department’s Travel Site for more information regarding international travel, immunizations, safety, and security while abroad.

Other Local Sources for Travel Information and Immunizations

Physical Exam

If your study abroad program requires a physical exam, you may obtain one through a local physician's office or from your family doctor.  The Student Health Center primarily treats acute illness and injury, so we only perform a limited number of physical exams.  We may perform pre-operative physicals and you must provide the necessary paperwork/orders from your surgeon.  We may perform ROTC physicals for students enlisting after matriculation.  Scheduling is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  This service may be curtailed when there is a high prevalence of acute illness, such as influenza, on campus.

Illnesses after Travel

If you develop any illness during the six months after returning from travel abroad, inform your physician of the date of travel and the countries you have visited. Check the CDC’s travel site for information about your specific destination(s).