When planning a trip abroad, a visit to the University Health
Center’s Travel Medicine Clinic should be at the top of
your to-do list. The clinic offers a variety of services
including immunizations and preventive medicine as well as vital
information about medical precautions, travel safety and handling
a medical emergency. While most services at the health
center are offered only to students, the Travel Medicine Clinic
is available to the general public.
Kate Alden, the registered nurse and travel-medicine consultant,
recommends making an appointment at least six weeks before travel
begins, which is essential if a series of preventive inoculations
are required for your destination.
Andrew Baker, a UGA senior consumer economics major, first visited
the clinic three months prior to embarking on an 18 month, three
continent, 35 country adventure. He wanted to make sure
he was well prepared for such an extensive journey. Baker brought
in the list of countries he planned to visit and Alden mapped
out a course of action to properly protect him against diseases
prevalent in the areas. He received vaccinations, anti-malaria
medication and some very important tips regarding food safety
and mosquito bite prevention. “The Travel Medicine Clinic
is a place I trusted,” said Baker. “It exceeded
my expectations regarding service related to my trip. We’re
lucky to have this resource at UGA.”
Even a trip to Europe may require precautions. In many countries
outside the United States an immunization guarding against Hepatitis
A is recommended. Alden can also provide information that travelers
may not receive from the health department or their private
physician because they are not as familiar with foreign travel.
Alden stays informed about which health hazards are most prevalent
around the world. Visitors to the clinic will leave with a computerized
report on health issues to consider while planning a trip.
Travelers may also want to check out the travel health information
network on the University Health Center web site. Included is
Information about disease terminology, definitions and general
descriptions. Travel guidelines are categorized by geographic
location or planned activities. Most insurance plans are accepted.
Competing
in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities
for international experiences. Our students are flocking to
study-abroad programs, thriving on the challenges inherent
in confronting a new cultural environment. More and more,
students on campus are also making choices that reflect an
understanding of the importance of global awareness—from
living in a residence hall-based language community to starting
a radio program in another language to minoring in a foreign
language. These experiences, whether at home or abroad, influence
how our students perceive the world and their place in it.
We’re producing graduates prepared to be world citizens—well
informed, culturally sensitive and technologically sophisticated.
They’re ready to take on the challenges of our global
society, and they’ll be equally at home whether in the
Peach State or the Republic of Georgia.
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Andrew
Baker, a UGA senior consumer economics major, first visited the
clinic three months prior to embarking on an 18-month, three continent
and 35 country adventure. 
