Immunizations

There can be health risks associated with living abroad. While it is impossible to eliminate all such risks, you can take precautions against them. Your orientation packet includes an up-to-date Center for Disease (CDC) report for your host country. Review the information on this report to obtain information on how to stay healthy and to learn about any required or recommended vaccinations.

Important Information
1) Several countries require proof of immunizations prior to entering the country.  In the event that you are required to show proof of immunizations, you will need to present the International Certificate of Vaccination, a yellow booklet from the World Health Organization. This booklet contains information on what immunizations you have had and when you received them. It is available from most doctors and county health departments.

2) If you have questions or are interested in additional information on immunizations, contact your local physician, the nearest county health department, or a doctor specialized in travel medicine.

3) Plan ahead for vaccinations. There are some that may take up to 6 months to fully administer.

4) All vaccinations should be recorded in the International Certificate of Vaccination.

5) Most vaccinations are available at the following locations. Please call ahead to make an appointment and to be sure the availability of serum at each location.

GVSU Family Health Center
 72 Sheldon Blvd. (Grand Rapids)
 (616) 988-8774
www.gvsu.edu/fhc

GVSU Campus Health Center
 10383 A 42nd Ave. (Allendale)
 (616) 331-2435

Ottawa County Health Department
Holland Office
Ask for the Travel Clinic Nurse
(616) 396-5266
1-800-764-4111 ext 5780

Kent County Health Department
International Travel Immunizations
700 Fuller (Grand Rapids)
 (616) 632-7100

Spectrum Travel Health Services
Blodgett Hospital
Wealthy Street (Grand Rapids)
 (616) 486-5181

Immunizations / Vaccinations

Depending on your destination, immunizations may be required or at least recommended. Visit the website for the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov or contact your Faculty Director to find out whether immunizations are required or recommended. Please plan ahead for vaccinations, as some may take up to 6 months to administer.

All vaccinations should be recorded in the International Certificate of Vaccination, a booklet distributed by the World Health Organization which is available from most doctors and country health departments. Several countries require proof of immunizations prior to entering the country, in which case you will need to present the International Certificate of Vaccination.

Please note that immunizations may or may not be covered by your health insurance plan.