FAIRHOPE— As travel season approaches, Thomas Hospital is offering travel clinics to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers prior to their trips.
Whether one is traveling in the U.S. or has plans to travel internationally, this travel clinic will be personalized for each person.

Medical staff will help travelers 18 years or older with immunizations, preventative medicine guidance, hygiene practices, resources for medical care in multiple countries, food and water precautions and insect precautions.
Program Director Cherie Abernathy said this clinic has been in the works for a while and is excited to offer something that will keep travelers safe and informed.

"This is the first travel clinic and is one of the first ones that I know of that has been open to the community and the public," Abernathy said. "One of the biggest benefits is that we provide a very detailed and personalized service. It is more than going to a public clinic where you show up and get your vaccine."
The medical staff will review the client's health itinerary, medical conditions and ensure that each person is up to date on vaccines.

Although each individual will have a personalized visit to the clinic, Abernathy explained that she informs everyone of traveler's diarrhea and how to prevent it as well as basic respiratory illnesses, altitude sickness and more.

"We also assess clients for their activities," Associate Program Director Holly Pursley said. "If you are going to go diving one day, then you should avoid traveling in an airplane the next day. There are all sorts of precautionary issues that we can address when we are doing these custom interviews."

It is recommended that travelers visit this clinic four to six weeks before they embark on their journey.

Once travelers receive immunizations, they will receive a certificate of vaccination, which may be required for entry into certain foreign countries.