Travel doctor or not?
 

We are visiting Kenya and Tanzania in October. Looks like yellow fever certificate is required and malaria meds highly recommended. We will be climbing Kilimanjaro, going on safari and spending a few days in Zanzibar. Is a travel doctor the best/safest/economical way to go? Or use family practice doctor and local pharmacy and health department?

Go to a travel clinic. Most family practice physicians do not administer yellow fever vaccine.

Whether a travel clinic will be the most economical option depends on doing your homework ahead of your visit. Travel clinics are notorious for, and my own experience, trying to sell you things you don't need. Some you will need, the 2 you mention, but don't be susceptible to their sales pitches (just say no).

Also, if there's more than 1 option in your community or nearby, a university clinic for instance, call and compare costs for the particular items and any other fees you may be charged to administer them or for a visit.

Good points thanks.

We live in a major metropolitan area and always visit a travel clinic. But, check with your insurance company because ours does not include all of the travel clinics as in-network. There is a major price differential for us if we stay in-network. And, the travel clinic definitely has the expertise that your primary care physician won't have. We have never had a problem with a travel clinic trying to up-sell us for unnecessary items.

I always use a travel clinic, and it has never been covered by my insurance. However, I check the CDC advisories beforehand, so I know what I need. I used to use the one at the Duke University Medical Center but it seems to have closed and I now use Passport Travel.

See: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destina...ler/none/kenya

And: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destina.../none/tanzania

Also: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/index.html

Note that the CDC recommends against the yellow fever vaccine if you are over 60. I had to get a release from my primary care physician before Passport Travel would give me the shot.

The yellow fever vaccine is in very low supply in the US. I attached the website where to find them below. Call before you go. It's expensive and few insurance plans cover it. When I go to Argentina later this year, I'll be getting it. The YF vaccine is now a lifetime vaccine, not just ten years.

I don't use a travel clinic. As above, they sell you stuff you don't need. And, as above, few are in network. This is a good time to update your shots. Here is the list of vaccines covered at no added cost under ACA regs for 2017 for all public and compliant private plans. Not likely covered in 2018, of course depending on which state you reside in (assuming you're a US citizen). https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/ I'm updating everything appropriate this year while I can.

If the CDC recommends against and you can't get it, then you can't enter Kenya or Tanzania. It says on the CDC website "or visiting a country with vaccine entry requirement" so over 60's can get it.

Here is where to look for a YF vaccine center: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow-...clinics/search