International Travel Program

The International Travel Program at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is designed to offer comprehensive travel planning services and immunizations to individuals planning foreign travel.

Our services include an overall health assessment to ensure that you are medically cleared to be safely immunized, an overview of general health conditions at your destination, as well as up-to-date information on security, crime and political concerns.  You'll want to be fully informed and immunized before your trip — because in some cases, documentation of immunizations is required to enter certain countries.

Travel Recommendations for You, Directly by our Physicians

The strength of the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital program lies in the expertise of our physicians and the direct communication you have with them.

Because our physicians have specialty certifications, they are uniquely qualified to advise on travel planning, public health and environmental issues around the world. As a result, they personalize your travel medicine recommendations — not only by where you’re traveling, but also by who is traveling.

Our doctors review your personal medical history and health plans, but also take into consideration the time of year, current epidemics, patient health (i.e. asthma, altitude or motion sickness) and specific city where you are traveling. That way, we can recommend exactly the immunizations you need — and only the ones you need — rather than over-immunizing you based on generic recommendations, which can have certain health risks.

Furthermore, when your plan is in place, you will speak one-on-one with a physician and registered nurse to discuss your travel plans, so you can get all your questions answered in person.

Customized Treatment Options

Depending on your needs, we can help you prepare for your upcoming trip by either providing a full medical travel consultation, or simply providing the immunizations.

If you select the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital International Travel Program, our experienced travel health professionals will carefully review your medical history and travel plan before ordering your vaccines.  This personal consultation ensures recommended vaccinations are tailored to your specific travel needs.

In addition to the consultation, we conduct customized research, via our specialized Travax System, to obtain up-to-date immunization requirements and other essential information for travelers to your destination(s).  At the time of your appointment, our nurse will provide these educational materials to you and answer any questions you may have.

If you prefer, you may opt for immunization services only.  In this situation, you conduct your own research (typically at cdc.gov) regarding required immunizations to your destinations, and obtain medical clearance and immunization orders from your personal physician.

Appointment Scheduling

Some immunizations are required 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel or require multiple doses of vaccine, so it is important to plan ahead.

Appointments usually last 45 minutes.  We have offices in Lake Forest and Gurnee–Brookside.  Appointments are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  To schedule an appointment or for further information, please call (847) 535-6172.

The Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital International Travel Program does not submit paperwork to insurance.  Most insurance plans do not cover travel services or travel immunizations.  If you are traveling for business, check with your employer for coverage.