Immunizations and Prophylactic Medications
Routine immunizations
All countries recommend travelers be up to date on routine immunizations. Refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for recommendations. Keep in mind that some immunizations require a series or spacing for protection (as long as three or six months for a series of shots), so allow as much time as possible for immunization.
Many routine immunizations are covered under domestic health care plans. It may not cost very much money (or anything at all) to update routine immunizations.
Travel medicine appointments
The CDC provides about required or recommended vaccines and medications. For medications or immunizations unavailable from a local pharmacy or family physician (such as anti-malarial tablets or a Yellow Fever vaccine), travelers may need to visit a county health department or a hospital/clinic that specializes in travel medicine. Check insurance coverage before making an appointment.
Evanston Travel Clinic
Evanston Travel Clinic at 1718 Sherman Ave in Evanston. Call (847) 816-3434 for an appointment.
Endeavor Health Travel Center
(North Medical Office Building)
2150 Pfingsten Rd., Suite 3000 (elevator F)
Glenview, IL 60026
Call (847) 657-5670 or email travel_center@endeavorhealth.org, for an appointment.
Chicago-area Travel Clinic
operates a full-scale Travel Clinic, located at 676 N. Saint Clair Street (Suite 900) in downtown Chicago (near the Northwestern Law school). Call (312) 926-3155 for an appointment.
Deciding on recommended immunizations (or prophylactic medications)
Whether or not to obtain travel immunizations or prophylactic medications is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a medical professional and in consideration of one’s medical history, destination, planned activities abroad, potential for exposure and possible side effects. Some prophylactic medications for malaria, for example, interact poorly with certain prescription medications, so it’s critical to discuss these issues with a travel health professional.
Travelers can save “time, money and discomfort” by reviewing the CDC recommendations in light of their itinerary, exposure and activities, and then if applicable, schedule an appointment with a licensed travel health professional.
Cost of immunizations
Domestic health care plans, such as United Healthcare, may or may not cover travel-related immunizations. Travelers should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm coverage.
For students enrolled in NU-SHIP, administered by Aetna Student Health:
- CDC recommended travel immunizations are covered at 100%. Refer to Travel Immunization Info for important instructions.
- Malaria prophylaxis (preventative medications) that are taken before travel are also covered under the NU-SHIP prescription (Rx) benefit, but cost-sharing applies (e.g., copay or coinsurance). In most cases, the cost of a CDC-recommended malaria medication regimen is below the NU-SHIP prescription copay, so students typically will not pay more than the standard copay.
- For the most accurate and up-to-date information about NU-SHIP benefits, students should contact directly or review their coverage through the .
NU-SHIP Contact Information
- Email: student.insurance@northwestern.edu
- Phone: (847) 491-3621
Immunization Questions
For questions about immunizations or medical records:
- Email: hims@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 847-491-2117 (Health Information Management Services)